£ FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY tiibi y'' 10/7S X*~ y&3«*iwi,' m tSE - m m >»«,«*-,**- <*¥■ Art* /*£«<«& 7Z~i *>" '£ "~-£* m mm, m ISP Sir" , Z /V.,w 'Vy*7 111 """<»-«*b-hj»' uai'it. iBiiiiiBii THE OLD SOUTH 1856-1896. JAN 20 191 \% SEW ORIGIN AND ANNALS OF "THE OLD SOUTH" FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND PARISH, IN NEWBURYPORT, MASS., 1746— 1896. EDITED BY HORACE C. HOVEY, D. D., Pastor. PUBLISHED FOR THE SOCIETY BY A COMMITTEE. BOSTON : DAMRELL & UPHAM, Z\\i ©lb Corner Bookstore, 2S3 Washington Street. 1896. Copyright iSq6, by HORACE C. HOVEY. and tin- First Presbyterian Church and Societ \ of Vewburyport, Mass. NEWS PUBLISHING COMPANY PRESS NEWBURYPORT, MASS. NEWBURYPORT, MASS. According to an Act of the Legislature. June 14. tSij, by which the First Presbyterian Church was incorporated, ' ' the Pastor, Deacons and Elders may have and use a common Seal, and the same may break, alter and renew at pleasure." The right has not been exercised until this historic year, when, by vote of the Session, the above emblematic device was adopted. Xov. 11, iSqb. The Triangle typifies the Trinity: the uplifted hand has for ages been the conventional sign of the Covenant : the motto, " Christo Duce," (Christ our Leader), zvas the watchword given by White field for Revo- lutionary soldiers, and for soldiers of the Cross. The -'Eagle Wing" :eas the name of the Presbyterian ship that set sail for the Merrimac in it>jj with a colony of Calvinistic pil- grims. As a whole the Seal signifies our loyalty to theTrinity, to the ancient Covenant, and to Christ as the Captain of our Salvation, and our faith that we shall be upheld by the promises of God. as by the -wings of a mighty eagle; (see Isaiah 40:31, and Revelation 12:14.) ILLUSTRATIONS. Seal of the First Presbyterian, "Old South," church. The Old South meeting-house, 1856—1896, frontispiece. Page. The Old South, prior to 1S56 .... Portrait of Rev. H. C. Hovey ...-•• 6 " George Whitefield . opposite . ^3 Jonathan Parsons . . • • 2 7 " " Murray, Dana and Williams . " . 41 ■ A. G. Vermilye . . " • -73 " " Proudfit, Stearns and Richardson " . . 83 '■ Durfee. Newell. Wallace, Sinclair " . • 9 1 In the Old South, April 7 and 8, 1S96, " 99 Old South church, chapel, and the home of Garrison" . • 163 Whitefield Cenotaph, in the Old South . J 74 Choir of the Old South . • • • " • .196 THE OLD SOUTH PRIOR TO 1856. INTRODUCTION. The First Presbyterian Church, of Newburyport, Mass., (often styled " The Old South Church,") was begun January 3rd, 1746, and was completed in its organization on the 7th of the ensuing April. Preliminary to celebrating the One Hundred and Fiftieth anniversary of that event, the Session requested the co-operation of the Parish and the Ecclesiastical Society. Accordingly a meet- ing was held to which all persons interested were invited, and after a free interchange of opinion the plan was approved by a unanimous vote. The present pastor, Rev. Horace C. Hovey, D. D., and a former pastor, Rev. Ashbel G. Vermilye, D. D., were requested to deliver historical addresses; sister churches in the vicinity, with their ministers, were invited to attend and take part in public services to be held on the 7th and Sth of April, 1896 ; a special poem for the occasion was solicited from Mrs. Elizabeth Kimball Haskell ; greetings were sought from former pastors, the survivors of deceased pastors, and from ministers and others who had at any time been connected with this congre- gation. A General Committee of arrangements was chosen, to have all matters in charge ; of which John T. Brown, Esquire, was made the chairman, Mr. Prentiss H. Reed, secretary, and Miss Frances A. Howard, treasurer. This General Committee included, (1.) ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY From the Church, Rev. Horace C. Hovey, D. D., pastor, and the Elders and Deacons, namely, Ebenezer Rolfe, James M. Woods, Edmund Jaques, William Binley, Charles M. Pritchard, Oliver O. Jones, Alvah W. Leavitt, Ebenezer Smith, John M. Bailey and George H. Jaques. (2.) From the Parish, David Foss, M. D., Charles T. Smith, William E. Chase, John W. Winder and Lawrence B. dishing. (3.) From the Society as a whole, a large representation, more than eighty individuals in all. (4.) All persons in the Congregation, over seventy years of age, as honorary members, some of whom, it should be said, worked as vigorously as any of the active members. From the General Committee, special committees were form- ed : on Program, Invitation, Reception, Decoration, Collation, Finance, Printing, and an Advisory committee to act on any new questions that might arise. It was intended to print in full all the names of these various committees. But they were so nu- merous, and as the work went on, so many changes were made, names being added, transferred or dropped, and so many persons, not on any committee, laboring and giving for the cause as freely as any others, that it was found impracticable to carry out the above intention. There is room for only those names that nat- urally come into prominence in connection with special features of the occasion. Faithful work, and a great deal of it, was done by all con- cerned, and the result was a delightful and harmonious celebra- tion. A final meeting of the General Committee heard reports from the sub-committees, passed votes of thanks to everybody to whom thanks were due, and then appointed a special committee whose duty it should be to collate, arrange and publish in a me- morial volume the historical discourses and addresses, greetings FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. from sister churches, such poetical and epistolary contributions as had been especially asked for, and at their discretion, in full, by abstract, or by title, such other material as might be available for the purpose. They might also insert such cuts as could be provided within their resources at command. Said committee was given power to act. In issuing the completed volume thus prepared, it was deemed best to print it in two parts ; the first containing the two main historical discourses, and the second presenting the other Anni- versary Proceedings in detail from first to last. A word is here in place as to the importance of collecting and preserving the scattered materials of local history. Our Pastoral Library already contains many valuable historical books, pam- phlets, magazines, newspapers and manuscripts. An occasion like this brings to light the utility of such a collection, and sug- gests the eminent propriety of making said library the reposi- tory of documents that might otherwise be lost or destroyed. To each Church the Master has committed a great trust, and we should prize the religious, historical and literary treasures, which, if rightly interpreted, are God's message to us from a wonderful Past to make us wise for a bright Future. John W. Winder, i Committee Prentiss H. Reed, John T. Brown, on Publication. 1 893. " The Glory of the Fathers." HISTORICAL SURVEY FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BY THE PASTOR, REV. HORACE CARTER HOVEY, D. D. Pro verbs jy:6. "The glory of children are tJieir fa /Iters.' ADDRESS OF REV. HORACE C. HOVEY, D. D. No place in America excels Essex county, Massa- chusetts, in quaint, romantic and instructive history, civil, military, and ecclesiastical. We are today more particularly interested in that portion of the county known as Newburyport — said to be the only town of that name on earth. Our city now has about 15,000 inhabitants; but when the church was founded whose anniversary we celebrate, this was simply what its name indicates, the port of Newbury, the "old town," to which also belonged what is now the town of West Newbury. The local geography is further complicated by the fact that the lower portion of New- buryport has been always styled Joppa, and the upper portion Belleville, while the central portion was long known as Riverside. The terms " up along " and " down along " have peculiar fitness and have been in use here for many generations. The First Presbyte- rian, or as it is familiarly called, " the Old South ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Church," occupies a central position with regard to this region about the estuary of the Merrimac. Our fathers held as firmly to the Abrahamic cov- enant as did Abraham himself. They had large fami- lies and had all their children baptized, even extend- ing that privilege formerly to what was styled kt the half-way covenant." It is estimated that there have been about 6,200 children baptized in this one parish, whence many of them have gone to the ends of the earth, carrying the memory of that unwritten form- ula for family prayer which always included a bless- ing invoked on " the children and children's children, and on their children, to the latest generation of time." God has signally blessed "these children of the Covenant;" and they in turn, wherever their lot may have been cast, have held to Solomon's maxim, that " the glory of children are their fathers.'''' Wise men do not ignore the deeds of former generations. Accordingly much has already been written about this region. Winthrop, Mather, Hutchinson and Bancroft have searched its early records. Whittier, Longfellow, George Lunt, Mrs. Spofford, and other poets, have embalmed its memories in verse. Hon. Caleb Cushing, Mr. Joshua Coffin, Mrs. E. Vale Smith, and others, have published local histories of a general nature, while the opulent mine of ecclesiasti- FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. cal research has been worked by Williams, Steams, Vermilye, Wallace, Spalding and Fiske. We are also indebted to Dr. Withington, Mr. Moody Cook, Mr. R. N. Toppan, Miss Emery, and various mem- bers of the local Historical Society, for interesting reminiscences and sketches. Yet history is always tinged by the medium through which it is seen, and each historian approaches his subject from his own starting point. The Apostle Paul, a native of Tarsus and a free-born Roman, truthfully told the Jews to whom he wrote, that he was "of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews." And so may the present speaker, though a native of Indiana and proud of being a Hoosier, remind his Yankee audience to-day that he is of un- mixed New England ancestry; coming, on the pa- ternal side, from one of the founders of Ipswich, Daniel Hovey, who built the first wharf in all this region; and on the maternal side from Thomas Carter, one of the original settlers of Salisbury. My father, Professor Edmund Otis Hovey, D. D., was ordained by the Presbytery of Newburyport, in a meeting held at Bradford, Sept. 26th, 1831, at which time six or more young men were set apart for missionary work at the West. He was one of the founders of Wabash College, and among his papers I find a long list of ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY generous contributors to that institution from New- buryport. He was also on intimate terms with Drs. Dana, Williams and Stearns. These personal facts may explain, in part, my peculiar zeal in delving amid the archives, legends, and other materials that have been piled up during the century and a half of your ecclesiastical life. We occupy an eminence, on this joyous anniver- sary, of whose privileges, distinctions and responsi- bilities the fathers in whom we justly glory had only a dim and cloudy vision. They were like the pio- neers over the plains by the famous Butterfield trail, who had already made a long journey before catch- ing their first view of the natural signal towers that guard the western El Dorado. There stood Pike's Peak, like a fleecy cloud on the horizon; and although in full sight, a march of one hundred and fifty miles must be made before its snowy summit was gained. And so with the fathers in their march down the pathway of time. They had come to the founding of this church by a long pilgrimage, and stood there like exiles disowned and assailed; and none but pro- phetic souls could have foreseen this day, when ours is but one of a myriad churches of its kind, and when the original colonics have grown into a broad Re- FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. public, whose magnificent domain stretches from ocean to ocean, and expands from zone to zone. PREVIOUS COLONIAL CONDITIONS. In order to grasp the history of our own venerable church, we must begin by considering its antecedents and its environment. In the days of the Pilgrim Fathers, nearly the entire Protestant world was Pres- byterian, in the sense that the reformers had revolted from the hierarchy of Rome, and had gone back to the primitive idea that the Church of Christ should be governed by representatives of its own choosing. That idea was dominant among the Waldenses and Huguenots, and it made them what they were. Luther caught and spread that same idea throughout Germany, whence it went to Denmark, Sweden and Norway. John Calvin, a profound student of the Word of God, infused that idea of a representative church government into the Republic of Geneva; while John a Lasco developed it more fully in Hol- land. Thus, according to the historian Bancroft, was "established a party, of which Englishmen be- came members, and New England the asylum." And, let cavillers say what they will, fully four-fifths of all Protestants now living cling to the system bravely contended for by those men. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY With those continental names, however, must be associated that of John Knox, the greatest man of Scotland, who, after being educated for the Roman Catholic priesthood, joined the revolt against the Pa- pacy, was exiled to foreign lands, and returned to de- liver his native land from spiritual despotism. He began by gathering a covenanted body styled "The Lords of the Congregation," into whose hands, in 1560, the whole government was placed by the treaty of Edinburgh. In the same year six ministers and thirty-four laymen formed the first modern "Gen- eral Assembly," that has since given shape to all the many branches of the Presbyterian order, numbering nearly as many adherents as then spoke the English tongue. Their "Confession of Faith and Book of Discipline" was an attempt to reconstruct society. The rights of individuals were guarded so "that every man may gyf his vote freelie" for minister and elders; the former being elected for life and the latter an- nually. Knox, Melville, and their party, meant to make Presbyterianism the established religion of all the British Isles. They were aggressive; but per- haps rough measures were needed by the rough times. Romanists, Episcopalians and Puritans each sought control to the exclusion of all others. The term "Puritan" was applied in ridicule to all who desired 1 2 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. to purify the Church of Christ, and who were agreed, however they differed as to doctrine and polity, in their efforts to gain freedom of conscience. The Puritans asked Queen Elizabeth, and pledged King James to make the Church of England Presbyterian. Through the Long Parliament, in 1643, they bound the nation by the "Solemn League and Covenant," and summoned the Westminster Assembly to estab- lish "one form of church government, one confession of faith, one catechism, and one director}- of the worship of God.' 1 The result, as stated in Neal's History of the Puritans, (Vol. IV., p. 269,) was that "the Pres- byterians came in possession of the whole power of England; the council of state, the chief officers of the army and navy, and the governors of the chief forts and garrisons were theirs; their clergy were in possession of both universities; and the whole govern- ment was with the Presbyterians."' But he adds that they "were shy of the Independents;" and their sys- tem unexpectedly found an implacable foe in Oliver Cromwell. We need not follow the long- strife through the Protectorate and the Restoration until the Act of Security was finally passed in the reign of Queen Anne. Butnowletus lookat Ireland, that busy hive whence so many swarms of emigrants have come to America. '3 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY The estates of Tyrone and Tyrconnel were forfeited to the crown during the reign of James the First, including with other lands what is known as the Prov- ince of Ulster, which the King' farmed out to a set of emigrants from Scotland. It was here, at a later day, that the siege of Londonderry, and the battle of the Boyne gained so conspicuous a place in the annals of freedom. But previous to that memorable siege and battle, THE SCOTCH-IRISH HAD HEARD OF AMERICA, and obtained permission to plant a commonwealth to suit themselves in the New World. Accordingly, in 1637, only two years after the founding of Newbury, they chartered a ship named "The Eagle Wing," and sailed from Carrickfergus, near Belfast, directly for the Merrimac, with Rev. Robert Blair and Rev. John Livingstone on board, ready to establish on these very shores a full-rigged system of session, pres- bytery and synod. The record is that "the sea wrought and was tempestuous, and the storms of heaven compelled them to return." It cannot be denied that Presbyterianism had a stormy infancy in these colonies. Seventy members of the Westminster Assembly formed a plan for plant- ing settlements in America; but they were foiled by 1 4 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. civil war. The story of the Pilochie pilgrims is touching. They were gathered by Mr. George Scott, at his own expense, and were double the number of those who came in the Mayflower. They were of high standing and social worth; all Presbyterians, with ministers, elders and deacons; with a caro- of Bibles, psalm-books and copies of The Confession of Faith. They set sail for America, but were overtaken by disaster, and found their last resting-place in the ocean's depths. The colony brought over in 1630, by Rev. Richard Denton, was an organized body of En- glish Presbyterians, from Yorkshire. That was ten years after the landing at Plymouth. Denton's col- ony settled first at Watertown, Mass.; and then at Weathersfield ; and Stamford, Conn. In each of those places the local opposition was too strong for them. But they held together, and finally, in 1644, founded a successful colony at Hempstead, Long Island, that still flourishes as the oldest Presbyterian Church in America: in which capacity they send us a greet- ing, today, being just 102 years older than our church, having celebrated their 250th anniversary two years ago. Rev. Francis McKemie has been styled the father of American Presbyterianism. He brought a multi- tude over, beginning in 1682 who formed prosper- *5 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY ous churches in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylva- nia, that were afterwards grouped into the " mother Presbytery " of Philadelphia. A notable fleet of five ships landed 750 passengers in Boston, in 17 18, under the leadership of Rev. James MacGregor. A few of them tarried in Boston, join- ing with other Presbyterians who had been sent over by Cromwell and Charles II., to be sold as slaves till they had worked out the cost of their transportation. These formed the old Federal Street Church, which afterwards became Congregational, and finally, under Dr. Channing, Unitarian, and the precursor of what is now the Arlington Street Church. About 200 others attempted to settle at Worcester; where they also in- troduced "the Irish Potato" — for which they de- serve a national monument. But they had such in- hospitable treatment there, and at Andover, Haver- hill, and elsewhere, as actually drove them out of the region.* They joined their comrades who had fol- lowed the Rev. James MacGregor to New Hampshire, where, in memory of the famous citadel of Ulster, they founded the town of Londonderry. This was a highly successful undertaking. Their church *It is stated in Lincoln's History of Worcester, that the Scotch-Irish built a church in that city in 171S; but the people "gathered by night, hewed down and demolished the struct- ure," and "persons of consideration and respectability aided in the riotous work." l6 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. grew to number 700 members, and ten distinct settle- ments were made by them; each of which became a town of importance. It is estimated that the living descendents from that one colony, rejected by Massa- chusetts now exceed 50,000 souls. The Scotch-Irish of today are a peculiar people. They are strong-bodied, strong-minded, and strong- willed; and therefore self-reliant, industrious, intelli- gent, courageous to desperation, and faithful unto death. Their rugged energy is tempered by native humor and domestic affection. They formed one third of the population of Pennsylvania at the time of the Revolutionary War; and they gave direction to the South-Atlantic states, where their patriotism found expression in the immortal burst of Patrick Henry, "Give me liberty or give me death. " The Scotch-Irish of New Hampshire, seventeen days be- fore the Declaration of Independence was made, getting impatient with the delay, signed a compact themselves to take up arms against British usurpation. Even after that Declaration itself had been adopted by Congress, it would not have been signed but for the determined action of Rev. John Witherspoon, a descendent of sturdy John Knox. That same Decla- ration, as it now exists, is in the hand-writing of a Scotch-Irishman, Charles Thompson, secretary of 17 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Congress; it was first printed by another Scotch- Irishman, Captain Thomas Dunlap, (who also started the first daily newspaper in America;) and a third Scotch-Irishman, Captain John Nixon, of Philadel- phia, first read it to the people. What especially interests us now is the fact that these tyranny-hating, liberty-loving people, who have led the van as stalwart champions of orthodoxy; who have always stood for the Bible, the Sabbath and the Church, against every foe ; are nearly all of them Pres- byterians, and form the warp and woof of most of the churches now in the Presbytery of Boston.* But it would be an error to say that the early Pres- byterians of New England were all of Scotch or Scotch-Irish ancestry. THE ENGLISH PURITANS were largely Presbyterian, and we are told in Mather's Magnalia, that, of the 22,000 emigrants who came over to New England before the year 1640, and to whom the term "forefathers" belongs, no less than 4,000 had previously been Presbyterians in England. The first churches formed in Newbury, Salem, Boston, and many other places, elected Ruling Elders, just as *For more full particulars as to the Scotch-Irish in America, see the reports made on the subject by 1'rof. S. S. Green, before the American Antiquarian Society, April 24, 1S95. iS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. we do now. The famous platforms of Cambridge and Saybrook were strongly tinged by the ideas of doctrine and polity that govern us to-day. In many parishes the terms Congregational and Presbyterian were used indiscriminately. The Hartford Associa- tion, in 1799, affirmed that the churches of Connec- ticut "were never managed after the Congregational manner, but contained the essentials of the Presbyte- rian Church." And the late Dr. H. M. Dexter, the Nestor of Congregationalism, used to style the early religion of Massachusetts, a " Congregationalized Presbyterianism." By this he meant that the fathers held to the doctrines and rules of the Westminster Assembly for the local church. The fact was slowly grasped by our sires that America is not a congenial soil for any hierarchy or aristocracy. Not even the inspired Hebrew theoc- racy could be transplanted to these shores, although the costly experiment was faithfully tried. Knox's plan of Presbyterianism made the General Assembly the fountain of power, whence it flowed graciously down through the Synod, the Presbytery and the Session; and if any drops finally trickled down to the private members of the local church, they ought to be grateful. I say this advisedly. And yet, even in the old "Form of Church-Government, approved by ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY the Church of Scotland," we find a significant phrase, that was destined to play an important part in the history of New England, and of our own church in particular. It was this: "The Scripture doth hold out a -presbytery in a church" And that was the very ground taken by Thomas Parker and James Noyes, the first pastor and first teacher of Newbury. For that principle they most earnestly contended, amid much controversy and opposition. Mr. Noyes published, in London, a large quarto volume, entitled "The Temple Measured," in which he explained and advocated his views of a "presbytery in a church." Admitting that some of his ideas were crude, yet his ground was solid that "the church ought to be a pat- tern of punctual order." He had a glimpse of the true American theory, which favors neither anarch) 7 nor aristocracy, hierachy nor theocracy. The word ''pres- byter" literally means an elder; hence the " presby- tery within a church," would mean a body of elders within a church; and that would simply be a session, such as we now have. And if we go further, and hold, in the terms of the Scotch Form of Government, that "many particular congregations may be under one presbyterial government," we retain the dis- tinctly American idea by making each local church a fountain of power, and granting each member of FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. each local church his sacred rights as such. When the members of any local church choose a session, that act makes it a Presbyterian church; even though it stops there. It is in order for the sessions of neio-h- boring churches to form themselves voluntarily into a Presbytery, and stop there if they choose. Or the Presbyteries may join to constitute a Synod or a Gen- eral Assembly. Only remember that, according to our theory, and which we hold to agree with the Word of God, the power should always work upward from the people to the higher courts, instead of down- ward from them to the people. Thus, as Dr. Duffield has admirably said, "American Presbyterianism differs as much from British Presbyterianism, as American liberty differs from British liberty." The facts thus far given help us to comprehend the ORIGIN OF THIS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, whose anniversary we celebrate. A handful of dis- senters, on April 7th, 1746, reverted, after the lapse of a century, to the plan sanctioned by the Scotch Form of Government, and favored by Messrs. Parker and Noyes, and formed "a presbytery within a church. " And so strongly did the idea take hold of them that we may assert to-day that, if the Presby- tery of Boston, or the Synod of New York, or the ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY General Assembly of the United States should try to force John Knox's plan upon this congregation, there would be an instant rebellion. We honor the Scotch and Scotch-Irish, but want it understood that our church has been from the very first the unique product of Yankee Presbyterianism. But how did it come about? The founders explained it as a matter " of both choice and compulsion." To understand this we must remember that, while the Pilgrim Fathers rejected the theory that the Church is to be ruled by the State, the)' went to the opposite extreme of claim- ing that the State should be evolved from the Church. Accordingly they divided up the region into par- ishes, forbade any man building more than half a mile from the meeting house; allowed none but church members to vote; and made all property tax- able for the parish. Brave Roger Willams protested, in 1634, that" no one should be bound to worship, or to maintain worship, without his own consent." That seems to us just and sensible; but the Pilgrim Fathers deemed it treason and heresy, and banished the bold Baptist and his comrades. Those of his way of thinking who remained were cowed into submission. The inevitable result of such despotism in the name of liberty was formality, hypocrisy and torpid- 2 2 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. ity of religious life. Even of the clergy only a decent morality together with respectable scholarship was required; and a public profession of faith, on the part of church members was dispensed with. It is significant that at about this time the office of ruling elder fell into disuse. It was an era fit for witch trials and scandals. The word went forth from Rev. Increase Mather, the President of Harvard College, that conscientious people would soon "have to gather churches out of churches." This lamentable declen- sion in piety continued till a reaction set in, of which the revival at Northampton was the sign. THE COMING OF WHITEFIELD. Among those who heard of it gladly was a young English evangelist, who had already made his mark in the world, although but twentv-six years of a«-e. He was a preacher who could, at any time and any where, collect in the open air, an audience of many thousands, without offering a single heretical novelty. He was comely, fair, slender, elastic and of medium height. His eyes were dark blue, slightly cast, and his countenance was remarkably expressive. His voice was both melodious and penetrating, with great compass and power; so that, as testified by Ben. Franklin, it could reach twenty-five thousand people ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY at once. His gestures were incessant, yet eminently graceful, and his hearers were wont to say of him that "he preached like a lion." This wonderful ora- tor, who stirred New England as it has never been stirred by any single voice before or since, was the Rev. George Whitefield. Let us try to picture the locality as it appeared at the time of his advent to this held. The town of Newbury then covered what is now Newburyport and West Newbury, besides the "Old Town " itself. The First Church of New- bury, formed in 1635, was under the pastoral care of the Rev. Christopher Toppan. He was by no means in sympathy with the revival, even carrying a whip with him, as it is alleged, to scourge enthusiasts from the house of prayer. The Second and Fourth churches were on loft)* hills, two miles apart, in what is now West Newbury; and their pastors stood aloof from the "Great Awakening." Queen Anne's chapel on the plains, and St. Paul's Episcopal church were under the care of the Rev. Mr. Plant, who regarded what he termed "the new scheme of Methodism" with great surprise, although his successor, Bishop Bass, was one of the pall-bearers at Whitefield's fun- eral. None of these churches opened their doors to the greatest pulpit orator of any age, when he arrived here in ;i blinding snow-storm September 30th, 24 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 1740.* An open air meeting was impracticable, and the Third Church was friendly to him who was re- jected by all the others. Its pastor, Rev. John Lowell, had for his motto, " In necessariis, unitas / in non- necessariis, libertas; in omnibus, charitas" And in the spirit of that noble motto he welcomed Whitefield. Was it a mere coincidence that the pulpit where the latter preached his first sermon here stood directly over a perennial spring that still bubbles up from the eternal rock ? The immediate result of the revival was that one hundred and forty-three souls were added to the Third Church during the next eighteen months; a more remote result was the formation of our First Presbyterian church; and the grand total for New England was that thirty thousand persons were converted under the ministry of Whitefield, Edwards, the Tennants and kindred spirits. The Third Church, in 1741, had three hundred and fifty-five members and was prosperous. But causes of trouble arose, in 1742, due to itinerants, whose ex- traordinary measures, in Mr. Lowell's absence, led him to exclude them. Every man in Newbury stood for or against the "New schemers, " "New-lights," or "Joppaites,' 1 the latter name given it is said because *N"ot September 10th as stated by both Williams and Coffin; as Whitefield did not land in New England till the 14th of September. 25 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY they met " at the house of one Simon by the sea- side;" though they also met in 'Mr. John Brown's barn, in Mr. Toppan's parish." Thirty men with their families withdrew from the First Church, and thirty-eight from the Third Church ; and after a while they built a plain but ample chapel that was finished February 15th, 1743, and served as our sanctuary for thirteen years. It stood on Norfolk (now High) street, between Lime street (as since laid out,) and Chandler's lane, afterwards called Prison street, (because the jail was on it,) then King street, and finally Federal street. It was in the "Storey garden," though the exact locality is not known, nor is any picture of the edifice in existence. From the day of Mr. Lowell till now, when what was the Third Church of Christ has become the "First Religious Society," or the Unitarian Church, it has been the custom to speak of "the Presbyterian schism." We protest. The term implies a division without a justifiable cause and is a term of reproach. There certainly was a separation, and there may have been blame; but not wholly, nor mainly, with the seceders. Their alleged "irregularity" found a pre- cedent in the mode of withdrawal by both the Second and Third churches, at the time of their formation; and their example has been imitated by other 26 JONATHAN PARSONS, 1746-1776. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. churches formed since then. Our fathers may have erred; but they sought in vain for two years for a fair hearing- by a mutual council. And even after resorting to an " ex parte council," which decided in their favor, they waited long for some recognition of what would now be universally regarded as their sacred rights. Meanwhile they were ably ministered to by a young man from Byheld, the Rev. Joseph Adams, a graduate from Harvard. He served them as a " stated preacher " for three years, and merits last- ing remembrance as having done pioneer work in troublous times, paving the way for the pastors whose names now shine in letters of gold on your mural tablet. Mr. Adams was, however, more zealous than discreet, and by Mr. Whitehekrs advice the congregation sought, as their first pastor, the REV. JONATHAN PARSONS. Preparatory, however, to this important step, they formed what was termed, " A New Society for the Settlement of the Gospel Ministry," and signed a subscription list for that purpose, November 25, 1745. The list contains one hundred and two names, many of which have come down to this day by family de- scent: among them, the familiar names of Titcomb, Noyes, Little, Johnson, Moody, Greenleaf, Brown, 2 7 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Todd, Coffin, Cresey, Plumer, Poor, Knight, Knapp, Bayley, Safford, Pettingell, Lunt, Hale, Goodwin, and others. Prominence should be given here to Mr. John Brown, who was chosen as church clerk, and Mr. Ralph Cross, who has been styled '" the founder of this church." These and other faithful helpers, male and female, gave of their time and money to promote this enterprise, and without them it would not have succeeded. Nineteen separatists from the First Church signed a mutual covenant, January 3rd, 1746, agreeing to '• walk together as a Church of Christ, according to the rules and order of the Gospel.' 1 Four days later they called Mr. Parsons, who had for some time been laboring at Lyme, Conn. They were publicly warned against this step, on the ground that he had been formerly lax in theology, and had renounced the Savbrook platform. But inquiry showed that, though once lax, he was now staunch in the faith: and that his reason for discarding the Saybrook platform was because it allowed civil interference with eccle- siastical matters. Hence they went ahead. A council for installation was out of the question because the churches of the vicinity did not recog- nize them in fellowship. The so-called "Irish Pres- bytery," which had existed for several years, was in 28 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. ruins; and they literally obeyed the instruction of the Scotch Form of Government, that while "no single congregation that can conveniently associate, do as- sume to itself all and sole power in ordination;" yet "in extraordinary cases, something extraordinary may be done, until a settled order may be had. ,, That was good Presbyterianism by the only received standard. Hence, on March 19, 1746, Mr. Parsons stood before his flock, with uplifted hand and said: "In the presence of God and these witnesses, I take this people to be my people." And then they arose, and the clerk said on their behalf: "In the presence of God and these witnesses we take this man to be our minister." It was strictly "by the book;" yet was like a Quaker marriage for simplicity and solemnity; and the union thus formed lasted till it was ended by death. Meanwhile, and in a manner almost as independent, three ministers and three ruling elders, being con- vened on their own motion at Londonderry, N. H., April 16th, 1745, had decided to constitute them- selves as a Presbytery, "to act so far as their circum- stances would permit them, etc." Two of these min- isters, namely, Rev. John Moorehead, of Boston, and Rev. David MacGregor, of Londonderry, had been suspended from the so-called "Irish Presbytery," on 29 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY account of their zeal in espousing the cause of Mr. Whitefield. The third minister, Rev. Robert Abercrombie, of Pelham, Mass., was of the same way of thinking-, having just been ordained by a council, consisting of Messrs. Moorehead, MacGregor, Jonathan Edwards and others. Our church was in sympathy with this movement, and voted, April 5th, 1746, to unite with it; and accordingly, two days later, namely, on April 7th, 1746, they completed their organization by electing six ruling elders to act as a Session. On the 9th of June the seceders from the Third Church asked for admission without creden- tials, and they were received on the 16th of October. It is not strange that we hesitated a while before joining the new Presbytery of Boston, made up as it was of the fragments of its predecessor, and consti- tuted by its own order. But it was finally done, Oc- tober 4th, 1748, with certain "reserved rights.''' As a good deal has been said about these conditions, we may add that they were simply these: (1.) That the Presbyteiy should satisfy us as to its coming off from the former one;* (2.) That they should really wish to receive this church; (3.) That "they make no difficultv about our choosing our elders annually," *The first Presbytery of Londonderry, though moribund, did not actually become extinct by depletion till a later date. Hence the propriety of this inquiry. 30 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. (the custom elsewhere being to elect them for life;) (4.) That they do not bind us respecting the form of administering and receiving the sacraments; and (5.) That they "accept the great doctrines of Grace, as contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms." These conditions were made by a vote of this church, September 15, 1748; and were unanimously agreed to by the Presbytery. It may be added that, in 1802, during Dr. Dana's ministry, this church unanimously voted to adopt the constitution and form of government of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, "reserving only its established practice of electing its elders annually/' The record reads that we joined the Presbytery "both by choice and by compulsion." The latter phrase refers to the fact that there was no other way of escaping the double taxation then sanctioned by colonial law. The First and Third parishes insisted that we were a "misguided band; 11 that what we called "conscience," was but "avarice;" that we had no right to exist. A parchment yellow with age is extant, being an authentic copy of our petition to "The King's Most Excellent Majesty" relating that Presbyterians were unjustly forced, in addition to supporting their own minister, to pay " for the 3 ' ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY support of ministers on whose ministry they cannot in conscience attend;" and that, upon refusal to pay such unjust taxes, " honest and peaceable men have been hauled away to prison, to their great hurt and damage;" and praying- for "equal liberty of con- science in worshipping God" that had already been granted to others. As it has been doubted if this petition signed by Jonathan Greenleaf, Ralph Cross and others, was ever sent to the King, let me say that I find in a letter by Rev. Mr. Parsons himself the statement that Mr. Partridge was their "agent before the King in Council,'" in the matter of showing this petition. In this same letter, which was written in 1749 to Col. Elisha Williams, then in London, Mr. Parsons says of his flock, that they are not "a wild, friekish people," but avoid "an apish sort of religion;" that thev are honest and industrious, with some wealthv members, but "with more poor widows than all the other con- gregations in town put together," " left so by the death of their husbands in the Cape Breton expe- dition." Yet he complains that, for refusing to pay taxes to ministers on whose ministry thev never at- tended, they were ""dragged about upon the ground," "dressed up in bear-skins and worried," were thrown upon carts, hauled through the streets, and imprisoned FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. with a "Lie there till you have paid the utmost farthing." He urges Col. Williams to use his in- fluence with His Majesty and to assure him that he has no more dutiful and loyal subjects than "those who are trampled on in the manner related." These efforts brought only slight relief; and it was not till 1773, or thirty years after beginning to worship on High street, that, by an act of the General Court, they were put on a footing with other denominations. Thus a century from the landing of the "Hector" at the mouth of the Merrimac, with a colony led by those pioneer Presbyterians, Parker and Noyes, ex- pressly "to enjoy the free exercise of their religion, " was that priceless liberty secured for their descend- ants. And even then it took some time to enforce the right granted by law, as appears from the record in our Parish book, in 1786: "Voted, to defend those in Newbury who are taxed there that belong to this church." And Newbury did not formally concede our rights till 1795. That was more than fifty years after our withdrawal ! Such persistent and oppres- sive coercion can only be explained on the ground that, while Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Baptists and Quakers had rights, Presbyterians had none; and indeed had no right to be Presbyterians at all ! 3 3 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY What wonder that "the low and vulgar" dared to revile Whitefleld and Parsons, and pelt them with stones, clods and other missies, as they walked these streets, and even as they entered the doors of this sanctuary. It is hard to realize these facts; and they can be accounted for only on the theory that the Con- gregational fathers, while claiming the right to worship God in their own way, were by no means willing to accord that right to others who were not of their way of thinking.* After all, the infant church moulded by Jonathan Parsons and George Whiterield, thrived on persecu- tion and unmixed orthodoxy. The pastorate of Mr. Parsons spanned thirty years. He was peculiarly fitted for his place and work. Eminently scholarly *Certain dates may here be given. Newburyport was incorporated in 1764. The First Presbyterian society, though formed in 1745, and gaining recognition by legislative acts in 1752 and 1770, was not made a distinct corporation with legal power to tax pews and estates, till the act passed by the Legislature, Feb. 22, 1794. According to Rev. Mr. Williams (Hist. Account, page 2S,) the First Presbyterian Church was incorporated in 1815; adding in a note, "A copy of the act of incorporation of this Church may be found upon the record." The first Baptist church in the Bay colony was formed in 1664; the first Episcopal church in 16S6; a Society of Friends gained recognition in 1710; the first Roman Catholic church in the colony was formed in 1789; the first Methodist Episcopal in 1795. King's Chapel, Boston, became Unitarian in 17S5, previous to which the law re- garded it as blasphemy to deny the doctrine of the Trinity. The very first Presbyterian meeting house built in New England was in Boston in 1716, by French Huguenots, who had for some years been allowed to worship in the school house on School street. They disbanded in 174S, and contrary to agreement their house was sold to the Roman Catholics in 17S5. I'eter Fanueil, Esq., who built the famous hall that bears his name, and gave it to the town, is said to have belonged to that Huguenot congregation. 3 4 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. and maintaining a correspondence with leading men of this and other lands, he was also a fervid revival- ist and a man of affairs; choleric and passionate, he was ever swift to make amends; fond of fine clothes, ruffled shirt fronts and gold lace galore, he was also devotedly pious and wonderfully prevalent in prayer; with a beauty of face almost feminine in loveliness, as we may judge by his portrait, his blue eyes were piercing and his expression commanding, while his voice was under admirable control for majestic, per- suasive or pathetic effects as occasion might require : as a whole a remarkable combination of contrasted characteristics. No wonder that Whitefield loved him! You all know the story of the great evangelist's departure. After a month of unexampled labors he sought the house of his friend, the next but one to our meeting- house, and after evening prayers he found the street crowded with people who wanted to hear him preach. He halted on the stairway, candle in hand, on the way to what proved to be his dying-chamber and ceased not to exhort them with tearful eyes till his candle burned away and went out in its socket. At six o'clock the next morning, Sunday, Sept. 30, 1770, he entered Heaven. He was at his own request, buried beneath the pulpit of this church, where it had 3 5 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY been his intention to preach the very day of his death. An immense concourse attended his funeral; harbor guns were fired, flags hung at half-mast, and thrice all the bells were tolled for half-an-hour. Whitefield was buried '" in gown, cassock, bands and wig," though these relics vanished long ago. Near him in the crypt rests Mr. Parsons, who died in 1776, the very day the Declaration of Independence arrived here. There too lies Rev. Joseph Prince, the inti- mate friend of Whitefield and Parsons. He often preached in this house, and was admired for his wonderful gifts, as well as pitied for his blindness. For a number of years his sermons averaged ten a week, and he visited all parts of New England, New York and New Jersey, but finally held several suc- cessive pastorates, in which he was greatly blessed. I have heard it said that he was childless, but it is a mistake; he was married and had twelve sons and one daughter. Mr. Murray preached his funeral sermon, after which the body was laid in the crypt. But when Murray himself died he refused to be buried there. Hence it has been left altogether to the three friends, Whitefield, Parsons and Prince. The cenotaph near by was erected by Hon. William Bartlett, after a design by Strickland, executed by Struthers; and the inscription, that has since been 3 6 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. reverently read by so many thousands, was by Pro- fessor Ebenezer Porter, D. D., of Andover Seminary. (So stated in Belcher's Biography of Whitefield, P- 443-) REV. JOHN MURRAY. There could hardly be a stronger contrast than that between the Rev. Jonathan Parsons and his successor. Mr. Murray was born at Antrim, Ireland, May 22, 1742, and was graduated with honor from the Uni- versity of Edinburgh, at a very early age. He entered the gospel ministry when only eighteen years of age; but an irregularity about his certificate of licensure embittered and limited an otherwise noble life. He came to America in 1763, and after visiting New York and other places, he was ordained as Rev. Gilbert Tennant's successor over the Second Presby- terian church in Philadelphia. The people of Booth- bay, Maine, urged a call upon him' so strongly that, notwithstanding his brilliant success at Philadelphia and the unattractive nature of Boothbay, where there had never been either church or minister, he accepted their offer, and gathered a church said to have been the largest in the State. His popularity was very great. Wherever he went he drew such crowds that, at times the meeting-house had to be "shored up" to prevent its being rent asunder. 37 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Mr. Murray ardently espoused the patriotic side of the Revolutionary War, was a member, and for a time president of the provincial Congress, and several anecdotes are recorded of his courage. The British fleet pilfered from his parishioners, and remonstrances were in vain. Then Murray donned his big wig, bands and gown, went aboard the flag-ship and read the Commodore such a philippic as ended the contro- versy. But later a price of live hundred guineas was set on his head by the British Government. This peril had its influence in making him yield to the re- peated overtures that had already come to him from Newburyport. An effort had been made in 1769 to get him as Mr. Parsons' 1 colleague. But the Booth- bay men refused to give him up, though recog- nizing our people as the " patrons and friends of oppressed truth in the worst of times" and nobly struggling through "a torrent of persecution.'"' Messrs. Moorehead and Parsons disagreed as to Mr. Murray; which was the beginning of a strife that parted brethren, and hindered the formation of the Synod of New England. Undoubtedly Mr. Parsons was in the right, and he was so regarded by the Presbytery. He had written to England and satisfied himself that aside from early irregularities fully atoned for, the charges against Murray were 3 8 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. groundless. One effect of this controversy was the creation of the Presbytery of the Eastward, June 27, 177 1, of which Murray was "the father and vitalizing force." The Synod formed four years later, and lasting only six years, aimed to cover all New England and to come into association with existing synods in other parts of the country; but it was launched in troublous times and failed of its praise- worthy purpose. It was really but a continuation of the old Presbytery of Boston, subdivided into three presbyteries of Londonderry, Palmer and Salem, which latter presbytery became its legal successor.* Unfortunately the synod rejected the Presbytery of *The following; dates will be found at least approximately correct : The first Presbytery of Londonderry, or the so-called "Irish Presbytery," was formed in 1729 and expired in 17S1. It held tenaciously to the Scotch forms and customs. The first Presbvtery of Boston lasted from 1745 to 1776, when it practically became the Synod of New England, turned again, in 17S2, into the Presbytery of Salem that lasted till 1791. The life of the Presbytery of the Eastward was from 1771 to 1794. The Presbytery of Grafton, including mainly New Hampshire churches, was from 1775 to 1S15. In 1794 the new Presbytery of Londonderry was formed, that absorbed the Presbytery of the Eastward, and lasted till 1S70. The Presbytery of Newburyport was organized in 1S26, and maintained a separate existence till 1S47, when it joined the Presbytery of Londonderry. This latter name, was changed, by act of the General Assembly, in 1S71, to the Presbytery of Boston; which at this time includes forty-two churches and sixty-two ministers, and covers all New England, except Connecticut. As nearly as can be determined amid this tangled complication, the First Presbyterian Church of Newburyport, which joined the Presbytery of Boston, Oct. 4. 1748, remained in it till its expansion into the Synod of New England in 1776; then probably joined the Presbytery of the Eastward, with which it was identified till 1793; then in the Presbyter)' of Londonderry from 1794 to 1S25; in the Presbytery of Newbury- port from 1S26 to 1S47: in that of Londonderry again from 1S48 to 1S70; since when it has been in the Presbytery of Boston. Forty graduates of Andover Seminary were ordained by the Presbytery of Newburyport. 39 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY the Eastward, which also seems to have caused our church to stand aloof; although this is not easy of proof as no records remain of the three presbyteries named above. I judge that our church, after waver- ing awhile, cast in its lot with the Presbytery of the Eastward, as I find a record of that body's meeting here, although our name does not appear on the roll of its churches. After Mr. Parsons' death came a dreary vacancy for five years, and then they made another and a suc- cessful call for Mr. Murray. His translation hither, in 1781, made Newburyport "the Banner Church of the Presbytery." It was no calumny to style the closing days of the Revolutionary War "the worst of times,' 1 if we may judge from the statements made in an odd little duodecimo with the peculiar title: "Bath-Kol," meaning the "daughter of a voice," or "a voice from the wilderness." It was further de- scribed as "an humble attempt to support the sinking truths of God against some of the principal errors raging at this time." What those raging errors were, we are informed in the vivid pictures drawn of prevalent atheism, deism, heresy, Sabbath-breaking, blasphemy, intemperance and gross immorality and dishonesty. The book was from the pen of Parson Murray, but it was published by the authority of the 40 JOHN MURRAY, 1781-1793. Vm Al t»d tfcA M V <»iH » »i» *> i. Tw »> «> ' Jn DANIEL DANA, 1794-1820. SAMUEL P. WILLIAMS, 1821-1826. Presbytery of the Eastward, with an exhortation special measures of reform. One way insisted on was a faithful visitation every family in every parish, not only by the past but also by the elders. The list of heart-searchi questions prepared for such visits by Mr. Mun were such as would hardly now be tolerated, and they must have been fruitful of great good at time. Their aim was to heal divisions, promote fa ily piety, give instruction in the Bible and catechism, and to secure the early conversion children. As a result of such fidelity this chu was saved at a crisis when many larger ones w down in disgrace and obscurity. Murray's oratory was powerful, and his publisl sermons are master-pieces of colonial eloquei He never preached less than an hour, and often ceeded two hours; yet held his hearers so that t could not leave, even letting the Thanksgiving dir spoil, rather than lose any of his fervid words. But finally a divided sentiment arose by the ad\ of a missionary from Lady Huntingdon's school, Rev. Charles W. Milton, who, at Mr. Murray's ( suggestion, was temporarily employed as his assis during a period of ill-health in 1791, and whc captivated a part of the congregation that they w 41 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY drew. Judicial process followed with the approval of the Presbyteiy ; and on the next sacramental Sabbath, Parson Murray publicly " fenced the table'" against the "covenant-breakers," as he styled them. The latter, after worshiping awhile in a private house, the building now known as 13 Milk street, or- ganized as the "Independent Calvinistic Society," with Mr. Milton as pastor, and with a body of ruling elders as a session. Legally they became the " Fourth Relig- ious Society," or as it is popularly known, the Prospect Street Congregational Church. REV. DANIEL DANA, D. D. Still another division shortly ensued over the set- tlement of Mr. Murray's successor, the Rev. Daniel Dana, D. D., in June, 1794. The remonstrants, thirty-three in number, retired without a regular dis- mission, and set up a Second Presbyterian Church, which was duly organized by the Londonderry Presbytery, October 29, 1 795 . Their ground of dissat- isfaction, remonstrance, and ultimately of withdrawal, was the notion that Dr. Dana was theologically unsound; when in reality he was as firm as the Rock of Gibraltar. With them went most of the Session, the clerk, the treasurer, the funds, and the records — the latter however being restored after man}' years. 4 2 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Here it may be stated, for the honor of religion, that "healing acts" were subsequently passed con- cerning all the schisms by which the Church of Christ had been torn in this community. Rev. Leonard Withington took great pains to effect an amicable settlement of all the difficulties between the First Church of Newbury and the First Presbyterian Church; which was done by mutual conference and unanimous resolutions passed by both bodies, October 17, 18 16. The censures that our own church had felt obliged to lay on those who withdrew irregularly to form the Prospect Street Church and the Sec- ond Presbyterian Church, were lifted after time had somewhat softened the asperities of the separation. And now, at this late day, and amid the festivities of this anniversary, comes the graceful action taken officially by the Third Church, (the First Religious Society), recognizing us as "rectus in ecclesia." Thus peace at last prevails between the mother churches and sister churches of our beloved city, and long may it continue! Concerning matters of controversy it should be remembered, however, that the fathers fouffht for cherished principles. Theirs were earnest souls; and "Calvinism," "Pelagianism," " Arminianism," "So- cinianism," and " Arianism," were so many war-cries 43 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY of battles that had to be fought. Then agrain, laws framed for the right became by perversion weapons of oppression. Discontented members found it hard to get satisfaction, dismission, or exemption from legal liabilities. One after another the various de- nominations wrenched from the courts that very right for which the War of the Revolution was fought, namely, exemption from taxation without representation. And we think the)' did well to make peace with each other, on all hands, after the dust and smoke of battle had cleared away. And the same may be said of other controversies that were inevitable in a formative state of society. So far as Dr. Dana was concerned, the singular misunderstanding as to his orthodoxy probably arose from the high degree of literary finish with which he clothed the rugged old Calvinistic truths. Men ac- customed to harsher ways of expression did not at first understand his suavity, nor see that he was their champion. The) 7 saw this so clearly at a later day, as to induce them to call him to serve, for twenty years, as pastor of the identical body that had originally withdrawn on his account. Dr. Dana was a forcible preacher, a clear expounder of the Word, a sympathetic pastor, an authority on the classics and polite literature, and withal a 44 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. keen controversialist. The latter was an enviable gift at a time when, as Dr. Vermilye remarks, "The town was an epitome of New England. Scarcely any two churches maintained communion with each other; and of six ministers of near denominational complexion, no two agreed in theology." Harvard College had drifted away from its motto, " Christo et Ecclesiaef and there was a demand for an orthodox theological seminary. The Calvinistic host was divided between those who . held to the unmixed teachings of Geneva, and those whose views had been modified by Hopkins and others of his school. Both wings started simultaneously theological simi- naries in Essex county, that were coalesced into Andover Seminary; and their compromise creed was what is now popularly known as "Orthodoxy," in dis- tinction from so-called "Liberal Christianity." Dr. Dana was from the first a trustee of Andover, and fouo-ht hard to keep the seminary sound in the faith. I spare you the details of the controversy between Dana and Woods; but it shows that Old Andover, as well as New Andover, was a "storm centre." Dr. Dana was greatly interested in Sunday schools. Probablv the first Sunday school in America was started at Roxbury, in 1674, but it was short-lived and we barely know of its existence. The first to be organ- 45 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY ized in a purely religious and voluntary form was started by Rev. Robert Steele, a pioneer Presbyte- rian of Pittsburgh, in 1800. The first two of that kind in Massachusetts were started here under Dr. Dana's ministry, and by members of this church. One formed in 18 14, in our former chapel on Beck street, was under the direction of Miss Ann Wheel- wright, with Miss Dolly Greenleaf, and Miss Eliza Gould as assistants. The other school, though held in the chapel of the North Congregational Church, was organized by Miss Phoebe Harrod, a member of the Old South Church, with the help of the Misses Farnham and Carter. The first public address made on the subject was by Dr. Dana before eight hundred children and youth gathered by the " Newburyport Sabbath School and Tract Society," which dates from November 23, 181 7, and whose neatly kept records are in our Pastoral Library. The First Religious Society withdrew from the union in 1824, and others at a later day, the society being disbanded in 1835. This organization, it will be observed, ante- dated by several years, the national societies started at New York and Philadelphia, in creating which our local society had an important share. The fact is also memorable that some of the first missionaries sent out by the American Board were 46 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. ordained in our church. The first five, Newell, Judson, Hall, Nott and Rice were set apart in the Tabernacle of Salem, (which originally belonged to the Presbytery of Salem;) but the second set, namely, Samuel J. Mills, James Richards, Edward Warren, Benjamin C. Meigs, Horatio Bardwell and Daniel Poor, were ordained in the First Presbyterian Church of Newburyport, and Dr. Dana gave them their ordi- nation charge. Dr. Cornelius preached a missionary sermon here the next year, and took a collection of $230, which he said was the largest single offering that had thus far been made to the cause of missions. Dr. Dana was among the promoters of the Merrimac Bible Society, the Merrimac Humane Society, the Female Charitable Society, and other benevolent associations. In 1820 Dr. Dana accepted a call to the presidency of Dartmouth College. Subsequently he served the church at Londonderry for four or five years, and then returned to this city as pastor for twenty years of the Second Presbyterian Church. His remains repose in the Oak Hill Cemetery, and his memory is fragrant in our hearts. His published discourses were numerous and constitute a valuable part of the religious literature of New England. 47 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY REV. SAMUEL P. WILLIAMS. After Dr. Dana's departure a unanimous call was given, in 182 1, to Rev. Samuel P. Williams, whose ministry was ended by death in 1826. He was born at Weathersfield, Conn., in 1779, and sprang from a distinguished ancestry. He was moreover a preco- cious youth, being graduated with honor from Yale College at the early age of 17 years. For some time he was a merchant. But after his conversion, in 1803, he studied theology with president Dwight, and also with Dr. Howard, of Springfield, with whom he was invited to act as a colleague-pastor. He decided, however, to accept a call to Mansfield, with the understanding that he should be silent as to the Uni- tarian controversy. But after two years of such silence he felt impelled to try to convince his people of the Deity of Christ, with the result that after a long struggle, his ministry was closed in that place. Yet the fact should be noted, as a proof of his dili- gence, that during those ten years Mr. Williams preached nine hundred sermons. Pardon me for also mentioning the fact that my great-grand-parents were among his parishioners in Mansfield, and helped him fight his battles for orthodoxy. The impression left in Newburyport is that Mr. Williams was a strong, pungent and even blunt 4 S FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. preacher, ploughing the fallow field from which others were to reap a rich harvest. Yet others testify that his burning words were spoken with a melodious voice, and with such a profusion of illustrations as to win those whom another might have repelled. He bought no man's friendship by deceit; nor did he ever screen his own faults by hypocrisy. He was mighty in the Scriptures, and had many souls given him as seals of his ministry. His perfect transpar- ency of character convinced even scoffers that he was sincere. He might wisely have been more suave and flexible, without sacrificing the truth; but we cannot withhold our tribute of respect from a man who was so determined to purge the church of all dross and to make it shine as pure gold* His last sickness was lingering and painful, but he " died in the harness." His fidelity to duty made him continue to preach even when his bodily feeble- ness obliged him to deliver his message while sitting in a chair instead of standing in the pulpit. Thus he gave his final sermon on Thanksgiving Day, 1826; and it is significant that his topic was ''The Value of The last exchange of pulpits between the Presbyterian and Unitarian ministers here was in 1S23, when Mr. Williams, in an exchange with Mr. Andrews, took advantage ot the occasion to preach a strong Trinitarian sermon that led to a sharp controversy. It maybe doubted, however, if the First Religious Society became decided in its stand until the d;iys of Mr. Fox, who sought for a middle ground between Calvinism and Farkerism. 49 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Life." Even in that hour the seal of death was on his brow, and within a month he died, triumphant in the faith to which he had been so steadfast and loyal. When Dr. Withington broke the news to him that he was soon to die, Mr. Williams said: "I trust in my Savior alone; the purposes of God are right, and I have no wish to alter them." That impressive tes- timony was characteristic of the man. THE PASTORATES OF DRS. PROUDFIT AND STEARNS belong to the domain to be traversed by another. But a few words may not be amiss here. Both men had many friends and deserved them. Dr. Proudfit was born at Salem, N. Y., in 1803, and graduated at Union, in 182 1. He was distinguished as a classical scholar, a fine writer, abounding in delightful thoughts apt to be absorbed in his meditations but when aroused excelled in conversation, and was an excellent pastor. His friends styled him " the beloved John." A grand enterprise was undertaken early in the ministry of Dr. Proudfit, being nothing less than the erection of a "Monumental Temple," in honor of Whitefield. Subscriptions amounting to several thousand dollars were obtained, and the pastor was to solicit the remainder in England. But for some reason the project did not meet with due encourage- 50 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. ment. Next it was voted to build a brick church on the site of this edifice. But it was finally concluded to let the old meeting-house stand, only repairing and modernizing it to some degree. This was done in 1829; and again and still further in 1856. There was a proviso that if this was done "the proprietors should sell all their right and title to the Society." A plan of the old meeting-house, as it appeared before these alterations were made, is to be seen hang- ing on the wall of our chapel, and it has some unique features. When erected it was said to be the largest church building in New England; and the parish at one time included two thousand souls. The frame-work of the structure was of white oak from the farms of the members. The wrought iron nails came from England. The raising took three days, on which occasion Rev. John Moorehead of Boston preached. It was first occupied regularly for worship in August, 1756; and the next week the chapel on High street was taken down. The plan shows the audience room to have been larger than it is now, be- ing ninety feet long by sixty-three feet broad, with towers at each end, making the entire length one hun- dred and twenty-four feet. The front door was on School street, from which a broad aisle ran to the pul- pit, which was then on the East side. Two other 5i ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY narrower ones ran from East to West, and live from North to South. There were one hundred and forty square pews with seats all around and a chair in the middle. These seats were on hinges, which were lifted during prayers and dropped with a loud noise at the "Amen." The Elders' pew was in front of the pulpit, with the seat for the Deacons in front of that and lower down. The seat for the sexton was at the side of the pulpit, whence he could conven- iently hand his regular batch of notices to the pastor. The tything-men occupied rear seats and carried their official rods, (still kept as relics) whereby to strike the rebellious youth with awe. Special seats were set apart for the negroes. A huge canopy, or sounding-board was hung by iron rods from the attic and over-shadowed the pulpit and official pews. The stairways to the three broad galleries were in the towers; and at one time a public library was kept in one of the towers. As long ago as 1767 the parish voted to u put in seats for ye singers" in the gallery; and two years later they voted to make "additional seats for ye singing women. 11 FACTS FROM THE OLD RECORDS. Some curious things have been unearthed from the records of the parish, and other sources, and the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. m ine is by no means exhausted. The service of sacred praise was long a fruitful subject of contention in colonial New England. The Scotch churches used what is known as Rouse's Version of the Psalms of David; while the Congregational churches mainly used "The Bay State Version" made by Elliot, Mather and Weld. This church, however, from the first preferred the version made by Dr. Isaac Watts, and afterwards enlarged by Dr. Worcester of Salem, into what was known as "Watts and Select." The Presbytery contented itself with recommending this version "as well adapted to the New Testament Church," which was more judicious than it might have been to try to compel churches to adopt Watts in preference to Rouse. The custom at first was to " deacon the hymn," that is to have a precentor lead, rirst reading two lines, the congregation following as best they might, everybody singing whether in tune or out of tune. At Londonderry, as late as 1802, an article in the annual warrant was "to see if the Parish will agree to have the singing carried on in future without reading the line." It was referred to the Session, which formed a choir, who on the next Sunday rode right over the precentor as he vainly strove to maintain his ancient rights. 53 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY In our parish the better way was chosen, in 1807, of making a liberal appropriation "for a singing school for the benefit of the church " previous to which it is said that a few old tunes had to do service on all occasions, twisted in every imaginable way. Dr. Dana did much to improve the church music. In his day the singing was led by Mr. William Woods, who was also helped by the clarionet and violoncello. Dr. Dana preached and lectured on sacred music and helped to organize a musical society for the Merrimac valley. In 1833 the parish purchased a pipe organ which has long been regarded as one of the best in the region. A well-worn copy of the ''Revival Mel- odies" has been handed me by one of our oldest members, with the assurance that it was used at early evangelistic meetings, and caused excitement as an innovation. It contained such melodies as "The Morning Light is Breaking;" "I Would Not Live Alway;" "O Turn Ye, O Turn Ye; 71 "When Shall We Meet Again?" and similar songs that then had the charm of novelty. For seventy years those who crowded this church depended on foot-stoves altogether for warmth in winter; while the minister preached in his ample cloak, and wore gloves with a finger and thumb cut off to enable him the better to turn the leaves. A 5 4 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. law was made allowing the sexton twenty cents for each foot-stove that he had to fill before service and remove afterwards. A great sensation was made in 1 8 19 by the introduction of wood stoves at an outlay of $100. The first day they were in place the people were so overcome that some of them fainted away and were carried out of the house ; but they revived on learning that as yet no fires had been kindled in the new stoves. The doors of the stoves opened into the ample vestibule, where the custom continued of ranging the many foot-stoves in a wide circle to be filled with live coals from the stove. In 1856 coal stoves replaced the wood-stoves; and when these had burned out, furnaces were introduced in 1868, although by some a preference was shown for steam- heat. In 18 10 the land adjoining the meeting-house was bought, on which a chapel was erected at the cost of $300. This was the old brick chapel on Beck street, where the first Sunday School was started in 18 14. The building was sold to the Roman Catholics and removed to Charles street in 1843, thus becoming the birthplace of that organization which has since grown to such size by the influx of elements favorable to its tenets. A new chapel was built by us in 1843, front- ing on School street. It was afterwards enlarged 5 5 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY and joined with the main edifice by connecting halls. A memorial class-room was added in 1885, at the instance of the late Dr. Frank A. Hale, who was at that time the Sunday School Superintendent. It was in this chapel that a church was organized in connection with the labors of Rev. John W. Em- erson, a member of our church, and a graduate from Amherst College and Princeton Seminar} 7 . That was January 1st, 1850, and at the evening services, held in the main room, there was a great conofresation. This youngest daughter of the First Presbyterian Church — I think we may greet her as such, although man)' members were drawn from another church — took the name of the Whitefield Church. This has often caused confusion in the minds of strangers, who naturally expect to find the relics of the great evangelist where his name is found. THE CULMINATION OF OUR CHURCH. It is no disparagement to the congregation of to- day for us to concede that thus far in its history our church reached its high water mark during the pas- torates of Drs. Stearns, Vermilye and Richardson, that is during the period of thirty-three years between 1835 and 1868. By agreement with our beloved guest, Dr. Vermilye this field is to be left for him to 5 6 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. cover in his reminiscences. For the same reason I deny myself the pleasure of giving many of those personal anecdotes and bits of romance and humor that add fragrance and spice to the otherwise dry details of history. I must also for other reasons for- bear from entering the wide range of collateral history, concerning the civic, mercantile, commercial, political and educational career of our beautiful city by the sea; in all which our fathers shared like true men of enterprise, loyal citizens and brave soldiers, but which belongs to the general history of the com- munity, rather than to any one congregation. I knew Dr. Stearns personally, and loved him, as a boy might love the life-long friend of his father. The two men were always intimate and interchanged visits; and no other minister whom I ever saw left so vivid an impression of pure, spiritual loveliness, as was left on me by Dr. Stearns, that saintly man of God. After a fruitful and happy pastorate of fourteen years he resigned to accept a call to the Fourth Pres- byterian Church of Newark, N. J. At one time he was the Moderator of the General Assembly, and enjoyed many other merited honors. His address at the consecration of Oak Hill Cemetery, and his centennial address in 1846, were models of clearness, elegance and pathos. 5 7 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Of the seventh pastor, Dr. Vermilye, it might be more easy to speak were he not by my side. There is no need of our praising his ability as a minister of the Word, his loyalty as a champion of the truth, his vigilance as a pastor, his urbanity and culture as a christian gentleman, for all this is already and widely known. His ministry here had a somewhat stormy beginning because a faction was determined to change the ancient constitution of the church. But when that question had been settled the clouds cleared away, and no pastor ever succeeded better in winning and keeping the affection of his flock, or in extending a beneficent influence beyond its limits. We admire, honor and love this eminent servant of Christ, and pray that many happy years ma)' be added to his earthly life before he enters on his heavenly reward. Many of the most important improvements in the appearance of the meeting-house were made during his pastorate; especially the substitution of the long windows for those smaller ones that made the build- ing look like a two-story structure; and the elegant frescoing on the walls and ceiling that so many visitors have admired. It is to his fondness for his- torical research that we are indebted for much val- uable material that else might have been lost forever. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Under the ministry of Rev. Richard H. Richardson this church lost none of its former prestige and influ- ence. Those were the palmy days when "a sea-captain sat at the end of every pew down the broad aisle," and when men were fortunate who could secure a pew anywhere in the sanctuary. Dr. Richardson came here after a varied ministry in Chicago, Rochester and elsewhere; and when he left this field, in 1868, it was to accept a call to an important charge in Trenton, N. J., where he spent twenty years of active and honorable service. His later years were spent in literary pursuits, particularly as one of the editors of the -Standard English Dictionary." His death took place in 1892; and his remains rest in our beau- tiful Oak Hill Cemetery. The story of his life may be found, together with numerous tributes from appre- ciative friends, in an exquisite memorial volume pre- pared as a labor of love by one who knew and loved him best. His ardor as a patriot, brilliancy as a pulpit orator, sympathy and generosity as a pastor, and diligence as a scholar, combined to make him a man widely known and universally beloved. THE LATER PASTORS. The Rev. Charles S. Durfee, born at South Ded- ham, in 1844, graduated from Williams College and 5 9 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Hartford Seminary, came to this pastorate as his first settlement, and after four years of faithful ministry accepted a call to Troy, N. Y. Subsequent labors were at Geneseo, Liverpool and East Bloomfield, where he died, December 24, 1887, lamented by his many friends. His memorial by Rev. S. A. Freeman, speaks of him as "a Puritan of Puritan stock, with a Puritan's keen discernment of right and wrong, the Puritan's strong attachment to the right as he saw it, and the Puritan's intense aversion to whatever he be- lieved to be wrong, whether in himself or others, in public or in private life." It cannot be denied that his out-spoken frankness excited antagonism from which he might otherwise have been spared. He was a firm champion of righteous reform; his last public act was to vote the Prohibition ticket; and his dying charge to his sons was that they should do their full share in what he regarded as the great struggle between the kingdom of Christ and of Satan. Yet the testimony of his co-laborers was that he was determined everywhere and at all haz- ards to "preach Jesus Christ, and him crucified." We have so recently and in the most public man- ner observed the obsequies of Rev. William Newell, Jr., who followed Mr. Durfee, as to make it hardly necessary for me now to do more than to remind 60 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. you of what was then said as to his excellent quali- ties as a man and a minister. His pastorate extended from May, 1874, to June 1880, when waning health made it necessary for him to seek a foreign clime, and his remaining work in life was done amid the American students in Paris, France. The prime aim of his ministry here and elsewhere was to win souls; and in that work he was eminently successful. He was welcome everywhere, among the most re- fined and the roughest; fond of the sea and a favorite with fishermen; generous to the poor, and systematic in his liberality; eminently Scriptural in his sermons, and always aiming at immediate results, it is not to be wondered at that he gathered many converts. He showed rare tact in dealing with the types of charac- ter found in this unique community. He was one of the promoters, if not among the founders of the Young Men's Christian Association here.* And in- deed it is not too much to say that his zeal cost him *The Youn. Men's Christian Association in Newburyport was originally started under Dr Richardson's pastorate, with Philip H. Lunt, president, James Horton, secretary, and George II. Stevens, treasurer. It was formed mainly for evangelistic work, and had its head-quarters in the second story of « 3 Market Square. It was re-organized, in its present form during Mr. Newell's ministry, March 3., 1S74, and held its meetings in the same locality There was a long break, between .* 7 7 and 1883, when it took a new lease of hie with Dr. F. A. Hale as president, and Alexander Dixon as vice-president. From that time to this it has had a course of uninterrupted activity. In fixing dates by the above pastorates it is not meant to claim any more than belongs to us as sharers in a work that concerned the religious public generally. 6l ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY his health and shortened a pastorate that his people would have gladly prolonged. His mantle has fallen on his three sons, who are consecrated to the Gospel ministry. The entire period of Mr. Newell's labors in Paris covered sixteen years. At first he was active in the McCall Mission, but afterwards he min- istered in St. Luke's Episcopal Chapel, better known as the "Students' Church" which was built up by his agency in the Latin Quarter, where his funeral took place, and whence his remains were carried to repose in Montparnasse cemetery. His successor here was Rev. Charles C. Wallace, D. D., who was installed in 1881, and resigned in 1888. Dr. Wallace was decidedly a New York man. He was born in that city June 3, 1832; was a graduate of the New York University, and of Union Seminary; was ordained by the Third Presbytery of New York; received his honorary doctorate from Rutgers College; held three pastorates in the State of New York before coming to Newburyport, be- sides one in New Jersey, and one in California; and twice he had the honor of serving as the Moderator of the Synod of New York. Dr. Wallace was an earnest worker in the ministry, a staunch defender of orthodoxy, and held tenaciously to his convictions on every subject. He was a frequent writer for the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. religious journals and magazines, and several of his sermons appeared in pamphlet form. His his- tory of Presbyterianism in New England, still in manuscript, is unquestionably the most complete work of the kind yet prepared, and through the kind- ness of his family it has been freely consulted in the preparation of this discourse. Dr. Wallace's health failed about the time that he left here, and he died, December 22, 1889, at Westfield, N. J. His family reside at Newbury, Vermont. Next came the Rev. Brevard D. Sinclair, a native of Charlotte, N. C, who began public life as a lawyer, but after a few years decided to enter the ministry. Accordingly he studied theology at Alle- gheny and at Princeton, being graduated from the latter Seminary in 1887. He preached for two years at Fowlerville, N. Y., and then accepted a call to Newburyport, where he was installed May 1, 1889. He resigned in 1892, and went to the Pacific coast, where he was employed in ministerial work first at Seattle, Wash., and afterward at Placerville, Cal. His marked personality, social qualities, orthodoxy, magnetic power and ability in the pulpit have been generally recognized. His career here, however, is so recent as hardly to need, as yet, to be traced by the pen of history. 63 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY A few facts may now be given concerning his suc- cessor without infringing on propriety, in order to complete this historical survey of pastorates. The present pastor took his academic course at Wabash Col- lege and his diploma in theology from Lane Seminary. His original purpose was to spend his life in scien- tific pursuits, and he has the distinction of belong- ing to several of the national scientific societies. But the strong sweep of God's loving providence carried him into the active work of the Gospel ministry. Among his later charges previous to coming here were those at New Haven, Minneapolis and Bridge- port. He preached his first sermon in Newbur} T port on the 1 8th of December, 1892, and occasion- ally supplied the pulpit during the Winter. He was duly installed, May 9, 1893, by the presbytery of Boston. It must be left for some other hand to sum up the final results of the work thus begun. My heart bids me testify to the loyalty and fidelity of the people among whom my lot has now been cast. May the God of our Fathers, who has brought us safely thus far, help us, as people and pastor, to make the current history worthy in every way of that which has already been recorded. 64 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. THE ROLL OF MEMBERSHIP. A grateful tribute, however brief, should be paid to the rank and file of the sacramental host, of whom those whose names are blazoned on yon mural tablet were but the standard bearers. What could the latter have done without the aid of the noble army of godly men and women who followed their leadership ? Every faithful member of this church has done his part in making up its history. Selecting a single in- stance from the many that might be cited, how indispensable, in the early days, was such a man as Ralph Cross. He served as a Ruling Elder here for forty-one years, besides holding several other offices in Church and Parish. He gave generously toward the building of the sanctuary and the support of the Gospel. It is said that he actually boarded the first pastor gratuitously for three years. It was he who gave the old " Whitefield Bible " that was used in this pulpit until it was laid aside for the more modern one presented by Elder Moses Pettingell, when the older copy was reverently laid amid the treasures of the society. This reminds me to say that the usual Puritan custom was to refrain from the public reading of the Scriptures, which was not allowed in the Third Parish till 1750, nor in the First till 1769; but in our 65 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY public services the Word of God was always read. And what is known as King James' version is the one that has always been in use; although in the elegant chapel Bible recently given by the late Miss Phoebe Harrod, both the old and new versions ap- pear — the latter being regarded simply as a commen- tary on the former. In 1862 Mr. Moody Cook delivered a Genealogical Address giving a history of the parishioners and founders of this Church from 1745, witn tne names of their then living descendants in the parish; to which you are referred for many of those particulars that we would gladly make room for here were it practicable. I wish we might call the long roll of ruling elders, deacons, committee-men, treasurers and collectors, choristers and organists, tithing-men and sextons, Sunday-school officers and teachers, who have done so nobly towards maintaining the vi- tality and energy of this society. The entire church membership, from the begin- ning has been exactly eighteen hundred and seven, omitting duplicates. That may not represent a rapid growth; but it is substantial and stands for an aver- age addition of one new name a month from the first until now. More names might have been added had not our standard been high and our discipline strict 66 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Then remember the fact that this church has thrice swarmed; thus carrying away from our bounds sev- eral hundreds who might have otherwise stayed in our communion; and although we love them we miss them numerically and in every way. Ours would probably be today the largest church in the common- wealth, could we only have held on to what rightly belonged to us. Then again, many of our younger people have gone to seek their fortunes in the West, or the South, or in larger Eastern cities than this. It is likewise a painful fact that death has, of late, sadly thinned the ranks of our older members. When I came here there were, by count, fifty parishioners who were over seventy years of age; and such saints on earth are rapidly nearing Heaven. Our total living membership today is two hundred and seventy souls; and our Sunday-school, including all departments, has about the same number enrolled. Many others worship with us whose friendship and co-operation we value, and yet who have not entered into covenant with us. We have flourishing Christ- ian Endeavor societies, both senior and junior; our Ladies' Board of Missions is vigorous and useful; the Whitefield Circle cares for the chapel building; the Greenleaf Circle makes a specialty of sending boxes to home missionaries and the Freedmen; the 67 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Ladies' and Gentlemen's Association takes care of the parsonage; our regular Female Prayer-meeting has been kept alive for one hundred and fifty years ; we contribute to all the benevolent boards of the denom- ination and take a commendable interest in many outside religious causes. The parish property is estimated at $30,000, and we are free from debt. We know not what the Lord may have in store for us as a congregation; but we feel sure that we may have a future equal to, if different from, our favored past; provided that we have the wisdom, tact and grace to adapt ourselves to our modified circum- stances. We do this in secular matters, and why not in religious affairs ? There was a time when, as Hon. Caleb Cushing tells us, there were actually owned here in Newburyport, forty-one ships, sixty-two brigs, sixty-six schooners, besides other craft not enumerated; a time when a hundred vessels were building at once in our ship-yards, thus supporting thirty-two distinct trades, and several hundred hardy workmen with their families. And those were the days, so often referred to, when a sea captain sat at the end of every pew down our broad aisle. Will those days ever return? 6S FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. THE OUTLOOK. It is generally conceded that our maritime glory has gone into history and will stay there. But our citizens are men of enterprise and thrift and strong common sense; and they do not sit idly deploring those palmy days that have departed. They foster local trade and home industries; they invite the building of factories; they improve their streets and parks and charming environs, thus attracting hither people of taste and culture who can appreciate the various advantages offered by this city by the sea. The result is that we have today more homes and more people than ever before. And while church- work differs from what it formerly was, there is as much need of it as ever, and it is as vital as ever that it should be of a style and quality to lit immortal souls for the life that now is and for that which is to come. It still is possible for us to help to shape the destiny of our nation and of mankind, fully as much as did our fathers in whom we glory, if we are only as faithful as they to the truth as it is in Jesus, and as loyal to the trust the Master has committed to our hands. We honor the First Presbyterian Church of New- buryport for its noble history; and we may well do 69 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY so. But this historical occasion will surely fail of its highest and grandest end, unless it shall quicken the heart-beats of those whose history is yet to be made. We stand at this hour on an eminence whence we can survey the future as well as the past. Let us turn toward it with a mighty courage and brave resolve. We glory in the fathers; and may we live so well that our children may glory in us when they come to celebrate, as we hope they may do, the two hundredth anniversary of this beloved church. I have not sought to make this altogether a denomi- national address; being aware that we have with us as guests those representing every denomination ex- isting here. But allow me, in conclusion, to remind those most deeply concerned in this anniversary, that we stand for an idea which our church has tested for one hundred and fifty years. We are eminently American Presbyterians. We are not Genevans, nor Huguenots, nor English, nor Scotch, nor Scotch-Irish ; we are Americans, who hold that the power is with the Lord's people, and that it ma)" rise from them to the higher and representative courts, such as the Presbytery, the Synod, and the General Assembly. Ours is neither an irresponsible independency, nor a lordly hierarchy. The fathers, at great cost, shook off the foreign yoke; let us never put it on again. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. And we have as much right as any others to lay aside the clumsy armor of the ancient champions of our cause, and to tight for it with the keenest modern weapons of truth. We are conservative, yet not in- flexible; we cling to our standard, yet would fain lift it higher into the light of God. Our Calvinism is modified from what was taught three centuries ago at Geneva and Edinburgh; yet its keynote is as clear as ever— the absolute sovereignty of God in harmony with the freedom of man. We believe as firmly as did the fathers that the righteous and merciful purposes of the Triune God are "yea and amen, in Christ Jesus." Ours is a church mili- tant when its heritage is assailed; but none excel it in practical humanitarian enterprises, nor in a gener- ous support of educational and reformatory work. No church has done more for civil and religious liberty. We seek to hold all truth, not harshly and rigidly, but wisely and tenderly, mindful of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is the master-thought underlying the histori- cal facts given today. Our fathers wrought, and we work, for this congregation, as a part of that universal Church of Christ, which transcends all sectarian limitations, and which is the true Kingdom of God. We work and worship, toil and pray, "looking for 7 1 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. ' , "Amen: even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be ivith you all. Amen. V^uTtuj^ lyyuis>or 1850-1863 "Retracing the Old Paths:' REMINISCENCES FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BY A FORMER PASTOR, REV. ASHBEL G. VERMILYE, D. I)., OF ENGLEWOOD, N J. ADDRESS OF REV. ASHBEL G. VERMILYE, D. D. This is now the third time it has been my privilege to take part in a jubilee of this church. The first time in 1856, the centennial year of the building of the church; when I was myself the pastor and preached an historical sermon from the text: a Wbo is left among you that saw this house in her first glory ?" It covered many points of interest relating to the past, not included in previous printed histories. Behind me in the pulpit, were Rev. Dr. Dana, settled in 1794; Rev. Dr. Proudfit, settled in 1827; and my immediate predecessor, Rev. Dr. Stearns, settled in 1835 — all the pastors since 1794, except Rev. Mr. Williams, settled in 182 1. Today they are not living; and of my successors in the pastorate previous to 1889, none are living. Of all who have here ministered, up to that recent date, I alone remain; and I was settled in 1850. Moreover, of the town ministers, the pas- tors in 1856, none now lives except Rev. Dr. Fiske— my senior in settlement by two or more years. 75 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY The second occasion alluded to, was in 1870 — the kk centennial commemoration of the death of White- field." Rev. Dr. Stearns was the preacher, to a large assembly. None could have done it better. He understood Whitefield and his times, and had the gift of narrative portraiture in an easy and attractive style. It was throughout a fine celebration. And now today, during two days crowded with oratory and interest, another — to me, the third! And surely it is well to have it, well to recall and keep alive, among those who are coming after, by sermon and reminis- cence the story of the past; and thus to instruct their faith and continue their attachment to the old church. It is one around which clings, like an entwining vine, a special interest of very many people. You that live here scarcely know the estimation in which it is held. During my ministry the whole Methodist Conference (at the time in session in town) went down to see the bones of Whitefield; and then, before the pulpit, discussed Whitefield and Weslev! Visitors came, even from Europe; and one visitor (though at an earlier period,) as a precious and prized relic, actually stole a part of Whitefleld's arm! It took nearly thirty years, till 1849, for his conscience to get him to the point of returning that silent bone, which in life had helped to awaken and reclaim so 76 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. many sinners. When my own sermon, the addresses and proceedings were published, one bookseller in Philadelphia wrote for two hundred copies, and I had none to send. I may here say, that three histories of the church have hitherto been published, of which two, by Rev. Mr. Williams and Dr. Stearns, were previous to my own; both of them so well done and apparently so exhaustive, that when required to provide a third, it seemed to me impossible. Where should I glean the grain that had not already been gathered into their barns? Fortunately the church was under repair, to become what it at present is, outside and in; we were worshipping with Rev. Mr. Campbell and his people, in Prospect street; I had four months. From old people, in old garrets, from Dr. Withington, Dr. Dana, and other fruitful sources, I gleaned and found the yield of incident and event plentiful. You should have seen Mrs. Lucy Pear- son, then in her ninety-eighth year, bedridden and almost blind— the only one who had heard Whiteneld; who, when sixteen, had walked with her mother from Rowley to Exeter to hear him; how her voice grew shrill and her thin frame almost tossed with excite- ment, as she described his preaching and its power! What must it have been, when, after eighty-two years the recollection of it was so vivid, so exciting? 77 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY That voice, how it still seemed to linger in her ears — as "the seashell of its native deep a thrilling moan retains;" a voice capable of all the inflexions of the sea, as it talks in storm tones or in ripples with the shore; behind which, and pressing for delivery, were thought and feelings grandly or gently moving, vari- able as the shifting winds, weighty as the tides! Was this the same man whom one citizen of the town described as a "cheery, a very cheery old gen- tleman;" and whom he had heard "joking mother Parsons (the minister's wife) about her old cap ?" Yes certainly; a preacher genial, loving, open to the little playful incidents and things of life. The spirit of the gospel was in him, "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." Yet when delivering his message of truth; truth so vital, for time and eternity, to the thousands of souls before him; there was no levity about Whitefield. He was then the electric storm in its passage over the surface of nature — with vivid dis- charges and rolling thunders and falling rain; which when past, leaves behind it a "great awakening," a great "revival" and " refreshing," even for "the dear little birds" — so he called children. No wonder he was remembered and his memory reverenced, this greatest of pulpit orators, as he was by Mrs. Pearson ! 7* FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. One hundred and fifty years have now passed since the organization of this church. The old oaken frame- work of the building, one hundred and forty years old— of wood cut upon their own farms — still remains, sound and intact. "Good times" they had even be- fore the completion of the building— when they u sat on the joiners benches and Mr. Whitefield preached." And still the inviting history was not exhausted by Mr. Williams, Dr. Stearns and myself, as your pastor (Dr. Hovey's) admirable sermon has proved. My own part is now the somewhat lighter vein of pas- toral reminiscences, memories, supplementary frag- ments. Nevertheless, it has for me an undertone; since I stand here, except the most recent, a solitary survivor in the line of pastors, and go back to a min- istry which began forty-six and ended thirty-three years ago. I may say, I suppose, how quaint looking was to me the place, when I first entered it. It had not yet changed much from the past. Too far from the city to be really suburban, it sat beside its beautiful river, close to the sea, a town waiting for a turn ol the tide. A quiet, very quiet place, partly because so many still went to sea and did "business in great waters: 1 This congregation itself had in it many who either were or had been sea captains— an unusual number. 79 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY One could not have wished better friends or parish- ioners; except that they came and went and sometimes made long voyages, the younger ones, whilst the wives brought up the families. The town therefore, was one of residences, notably domestic and quiet. And quaint, also, of an old-fashioned type, looked the older ministers —Dr. Withington, Dr. Dana, Dr. Dimmick, Mr. Campbell and others around. Dr. Withington, with his beautiful genuineness, simplicity and kindliness of character and intercourse; whose thinking, on other subjects so keen and observant, did not take in the niceties of dress and fashion and mere appearances! Poet, philosopher, scholar — in learning how various and ready! To meet him on the street under an umbrella, was to gain a thought and be mentally so much richer! But it would never have done to transplant him, he had grown into the very soil of "Ould Newbury." It was good and wise advice he gave his successor, at his instal- lation; u you must not only know human nature but Oldtown nature." That, he himself did, and there for a lifetime, studied, meditated, philosophized, and wrote many beautiful, many characteristic things. His Thanksgiving sermon, entitled " A bundle of myrrh," ( 1850) was like him, and a sensation — where- in he showed, by historic example, why men, philoso- 80 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. phies, political parties, even religious systems, had so often failed; they were not a u bundle of myrrh," only some sprigs of it, tied up with " wormwood, pigweed, garlic and other nauseous herbs!" On the back of it was a '"form of prayer, for such Christians as mean to aid in executing the fugitive slave law." But, in another style, what a delightful argument for a special Providence did he draw from a bird's nest in the grass, with feeding cattle all around, yet not destroyed nor disturbed! This was in my day, as before it, a large con- gregation, with full galleries; of well-to-do people, solid, excellent families, who made the church strong — not wealthy as wealth is now computed. And besides, there were many poor, with among them men and women of faith and prayer and every day usefulness. As one such, what a woman was Miss Mary C. Greenleaf; who, with an aged and blind and deaf mother to care for, and the necessity of work, could always find time to be useful; who, her- self without means, could take the refusal of a par- sonage house, when it was needed, and by her efficient zeal get the money; and who, at the age of fifty-six, rounded out her self-denying labors by be- coming a missionary to the Indians! And that mother — a woman of faith and prayer; who ceased S i ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY not to pray in the temple for others around her dur- ing- the sermon; who till her death, "a widow of about four score and four years," efficiently helped to sustain the mission to the Isles of Shoals; who had faith in prayer from man)' experiences. Once, when in immediate need of forty-five dollars for the Mission, she confidently made it a matter of prayer; and be- fore the day was out, Rev. Dr. Dimmick came in and handed her the money. Forsooth, however, you might even here and there have found some Christ- ians of a different sort; not so helpful to a pastor nor so pleasant, with more human nature than grace. You have doubtless heard Rev. Mr. Milton's remark about one of his own members: "The crookedest stick that ever grew on Mount Zion!" Zion some- times grows among its slopes strange timber; scrubby oaks and the prickly pear, as well as the straighter and statelier trees. Perhaps their nature has in it more for grace to contend with. But I learned here a useful lesson for a pastor. It is not well to be too easily or quickly offended. Plain people do not var- nish words, and a chestnut burr may contain what is sound and good. It was not pleasant, I suppose, for Rev. Mr. Williams to be told that "if he chose to live in Oldtown he might go there to meeting!" Never- theless, it was kindly meant. They liked to see their 82 JOHN PROUDFIT, 1827-1833. JONATHAN F. STEARNS, 1 835-1 849. RICHARD H. RICHARDSON, 1 864-1 868. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. minister and have him near — not far away, in another parish. It was a peculiar prayer, no doubt, uttered during a vacancy (in a neighboring church) by a man slow of speech and ideas, but I can see the glimmer of a meaning; that the Lord would send them ''a man after his own heart, made without hands, eternal in the heavens I'' One who should be divinely qual- ified to remain with them always — that was certainly here, with many, their idea of a proper pastoral union. Yet one "made without hands;" such an one would never have suited, for they loved to shake hands. All among them had not bright homes. There were the "shut ins," the sick, afflicted and poor, the troubled in various ways; and they loved and needed the grasp that indicated nearness, sympathy and help- fulness — a personal relation to the pastor. Alas, also, among other troubles there was the sea, the treacher- ous sea, in some aspects so beautiful and then again such a bringer of sorrow; and the telegram or letter which the pastor must deliver. It is my belief that a preacher cannot preach to real purpose, who has not, also, been a pastor; who has not come near to people, entered their chambers or their minds, in the serious moments of life. He may hold an audience and impress their minds. It is a fine thing to do so. But the great congregation goes home, away from S3 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY his influence. And only as a pastor can he learn, and like a skilful physician learn, how to treat the various individual doubts, difficulties and perturbations, which the homely talk and the more serious moments may reveal to him. I learned here, in some degree, how to handle my doctrine. And I must say that, as a people, they wanted and expected doctrine; that is to say, Bible truth, God's word, the Gospel — something to inform, something for the conscience, something that was really water and food for the soul. Sermons, such as those of one who once preached for me would not have been long endured — who said, he " always thought it well (among other things) to have a little religion in a sermon!" An earlier member expressed it, after a sermon by a young man, as he went grumbling down the aisle: "Peas in a bladder, peas in a bladder, no food for my soul today!" His words wrought better than he could have imagined. The young minister overheard him. They were a sharp rap to his conscience. Years after he returned and inquired for him, saying: "He saved my soul, he was the means of my conversion!" But the good man was dead.* Good, sturdy old people! The spirit of the earlier members, from whom many among them were de- k The minister w:is Rev. Dr. Clark, of Boston, the other Major Goodwin. *4 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. scended, had not died out with the lapse of time. Among the number I may mention Deacon (and Elder) Ezra Lunt, " an Israelite indeed ;" whose dying- words to me were: "I have been trying to form an ob- jection in my own mind against my acceptance with Christ; but he has been with me forty years and will not leave me now. Some used to think me too rigid ; but I could not conscientiously be otherwise. I have endeavored to follow the Puritan fathers, so far as they followed Christ." Such was the tone and type of his piety; with none of that self-surgery, that ana- lytical dissection even of motives, which character- ized Dr. Spring and many good people who had been trained under his teachings; but an abiding hope and trust in Jesus Christ, and a thoroughly consistent and godly life. At the close, he was like a fisherman who has been out all day at his calling whether the waters were rough or smooth; who at night returns, calmly and fearlessly shoots the breakers that line his way to the shore, and there at length unships his mast, brings forth his anchor, and with the fruit of his toil in hand goes quietly, peacefully, happily, to his home and his rest. And there were others, men and women, like Deacon Lunt. From the very beginning and till 1887, one hundred and thirty-one years, the Harrod family had a pew in ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY this church. The last to go was Miss Phoebe Harrod, in her one hundred and second year. But when I came there were (I think) ten brothers and sisters, already beyond the prime of years. Yet what a household group! How staunch, helpful, and widely useful — especially in all out of door activities, Mrs. Harriet Sanborn, the widowed sister! In their piety how genuine, how consistent — a walk with God! In her ninetieth year, it was the habit of one sister to pass sleepless nights in repeating to herself the one hundred and nineteenth Psalm. She had it all in memory. And as she reached the successive divis- ions of the Psalm, there she would pause a little. That or that, perhaps, might prove the looked for end, with no farther to go! These divisions she called her "stepping-stones over Jordan." In its repose of mind and assurance of salvation through Christ, what a beautiful awaiting! So have I seen ships, after their voyage quietly awaiting outside the make ot the tide which should pass them over the bar into their desired haven. Nor was the Harrod family alone in the things mentioned. That of Elder Moses Pettingell had, also, come down in steady succession from the beginning — himself a useful and prominent man. And among them how many lived to be old! I well remember (me who, at eighty-live, was having So FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. her thirteenth fever, and— "weakly to begin with!" On one page of the list (a single year) there were twenty-seven deaths recorded; of which number one- half were over seventy, four of them over eighty, two of them over ninety! Air. George Donnell lived to be ninety-nine and three months. But I return — and it saddens my return— to find them gone; Cap- tain Simpson, Mr. Caldwell, Elder Plummer, Air. Petti ngell, Mr. Pritchard, the Brays, Caleb Cushing, Captain Graves, Mr. Boardman, and many more whom I could name; gone, a congregation of the dead. Till I left, the average death rate was (I think ) about seventeen; but the next year and the next (of Dr. Richardson's ministry) the number went up to thirty-one or thirty-two. I would like now briefly to advert to the times preceding my own day. Of course there had been changes. The interior of the building itself, as you know, had been altered in 1829. It made that re- markable "whispering gallery;" so perfect, that when everything was still I have heard a watch tick- in a corner one hundred and fifty feet away. It was, also, a sort of private detective; as the sexton would sometimes inform misbehaving boys in the opposite o-allerv, by putting his hand behind his ear and point- ing to the pulpit. But let me speak a little of the pas- S7 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY tors. Mr. Parsons! Dr. Hovey, however, has included him in his sketch, as have the other histories. Poor man, what troubles he went through, a real persecu- tion, on the church's account! And in addition, there was his weakness for fine clothes, with gold and silver lace and ruffled shirt fronts — to the great dis- tress of some people! We can imagine what they said. Ministers, in that day, were expected to ap- pear in clerical hat, wig, regulation clothes, and with professional dignity, prim and sombre. I do not wonder that his naturally quick temper sometimes gave way. Yet, good man that he was, he was just as quick to confess and amend his fault. So once, after a not pleasant scene with a man, he returned and said: "Have you seen Mr. Parsons this morning?" "Why, yes," (he replied) "you were here an hour ago." "No," (answered Mr. P.) "that was not Mr. Parsons, it was the Devil! " Murray! The popular orator, the most so of all. Like Parsons, a patriot who did good service; one, however, of wider note, for whose capture, when at Boothbay, the British Commodore offered £500 reward — an unusual sum. And I may here speak of it, their patriotism, to the credit of nearly all the clergy here and elsewhere. Enough has not been made of it. Behind the states- men, in every parish, were the clergy moulding the SS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. sentiments of the people, long before the war. Of Murray's oratorical power I have elsewhere noted not a few instances. But one of his greatest triumphs, I should say, was when he preached an hour and a half or two hours, and held the people, on so abstruse a subject as "The origin of evil!" Moreover, they insisted on having it published! New England in his day, it should be remembered, was a theological and controversial battle ground. On every hand you would hear the shots of opposing batteries. In this town was especially Dr. Spring, a zealous Hopkinsian, who crave and took. And the people liked it. New England wits were ground line and keen on such problems; and it was a pleasure, all around, to take one another in hand for a clean shave. My own copy of that sermon is annotated throughout by some one, cleric or layman I know not, who set himself to riddle the argument. I suppose he did it, I have only been able to make out the word u nonentity." After Mr. Murray came Dr. Dana— a placid stream compared with the former; clear, Addisonian in style and statement, he attained no such flights of oratory. Yet was he a faithful, affectionate, helpful pastor and preacher, with that courteous and graceful, almost appealing, motion of the head and wave of the right hand which some may still remember; and 89 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY with which — so habitual was it with him — he once at night, in later years, showed a burglar to the front door. Suave as he was, however, Dr. Dana stood firmly enough for the olden truth amid the clashings and defections of his day. He had occasion to do so even in this town, where of six ministers no two held exactly the same theology. Dr. Spring, es- pecially, was an aggressive theologian. Dr. Hawes (of Hartford) preached his first sermon for Dr. Dana. He took exceptions in a kindly way, to its doctrinal statements. When Dr. Spring heard about it, he was delighted. "Now (he said) you make two of that sermon. Next Sunday I have the Union lec- ture in the evening" — at which, of course, Dr. Dana would be present. u You shall preach half in the morning and the other in the evening !" But in 1815 there came a happy occasion when such differences were forgotten. It was the ordination of the second band of missionaries in this church. Then for the first time in New England and probably in the country, the Lord's supper was celebrated together by nearly seven hundred communicants, from various and distant churches. It was the proper church for it; here, the burial place of Whitefield, who had himself crossed the ocean thirteen times on a Gospel 90 CHARLES S. DURFEE, 1869-1872. WILLIAM W. NEWELL, Jr., 1874-1880. CHARLES C. WALLACE, 1881—1888. BREVARD D. SINCLAIR, 1889—1892. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. missionary errand. And its kindly, Christian spirit was in full accord with that of Dr. Dana. After a season of steady productiveness, churches may need the plough ; and a plough was Mr. Williams. Different from Dr. Dana, a more striking man, with peculiarities; a fine orator, but less tender and sympathetic; a blunt, straight out, independent man in word and deed— genuine to the core. A brief but impressive ministry, only five years, and useful to the church; and then he died, his sun went down too early. It brings me to Dr. Proudrlt; and again to a five years pastorate interrupted at a most important time, in 183 1, by ill health and an absence of seven months. Nevertheless, his was an honored and long an affectionately remembered name in this place. Tallest of the whole clerical line, Saul among the people, with a fine, grave and thoughtful face, he bore a presence in itself noticeable; whilst in preaching, the intellect and culture and eminent spirituality which enriched his sermons, commanded attention, though his throat and voice were weak for so large a building. Yet even more was his great success as a spiritual worker due to his tact and affectionate faithfulness in the house and by the way. It was a ministry, however, during which, that is, during and owing to his enforced absence in 183 1, some strange 9 1 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY scenes occurred. During that time this pulpit was supplied chiefly by Rev. George B. Cheever, an Andover graduate. It was the beginning of his ministry, and not a happy beginning. There was, at the time an extensive revival in town. For the year 1 83 1, one hundred united with this church alone, as professed converts. Of these some (with others outside,) gathered about Mr. Cheever — in his youth, enthusiastic, and with those qualities which afterwards distinguished him; the author, at Salem, a little later, of the tract "Deacon Giles' Distillery," for which he was tried and imprisoned. By these disturbers the pastor was undermined, and an effort made to dis- place him. It failed, however; since the Session and the main body of the people stood firmly and strongly with and for the pastor. Mr. Cheever would not consent to preach in a hall, and so his ministry in Newburyport ended. I knew him, after the turmoils of his active life, as a neighbor — sweet and gentle, former conflicts apparently forgotten, the fire of the war horse subdued within him, the Bible and its precious truths his chief study and delight. It was at this time, I think, that he received a letter from the son of the actual "Deacon Giles, "' in which he re- ferred to that tract as the means of his own conver- f sion 92 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Dr. Stearns was my own predecessor. How sweet and mellow his voice, how youthful always, almost feminine the face, as for fourteen years he stood in this place, a scholarly, clear and effective preacher! A man of tact and sound discretion, as well as sweet- ness of spirit, how easily he made himself beloved! Yet withal, when necessary, no one could be more firm and outspoken. And by his side, also, to his great advantage, was one whom the parish equally loved— a brilliant, gifted and attractive woman, the sister of the great Western orator, Sargent S. Prentice. His was a peaceful ministry, during which would-be troublers (and there were such) remained prudently quiet. And so I come back to my own ministry. At its close, Rev. Mr. Campbell said to me: "When I first saw you on the street, I thought to myself, young man you have made a mistake this time. You had some ugly opponents to deal with. But your ministry has been to me an instance of a special Providence: , So I considered it, and gratefully. Some of them had waited their opportunity since Mr. Cheever's day. It was a special Providence when, after my coming, they left the church and made room for others. Nor had I ever reason to re- gret my coming; they were my people, my friends, to the last. I left the church undiminished in num- 9 3 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY bers, at peace, and prosperous. My only regret was at the parting, to take a more inland charge at Utica, New York. This address has been simply (as I proposed) reminiscent and fragmentary. I could have written more, much more, about man)' things; they have come into view from out the past, as birds appear out of the sky or the fog and drop upon the meadows. But this is the closing evening, and your pastors history has, by right, the chief historical place. To my successors I have not referred, because my knowledge of them has been slight. Of Dr. Rich- ardson, who came after me, I know that he was a scholar and admired as a man and a preacher of strik- ing gifts. The names of the rest are upon yonder tablet. All but two of them have made up their record on earth and gone to their reward. Bye and bye, some one will resume the story where we now leave it, and they will be remembered and the later history written. I have but one thing to add, since it connects itself with that new and elegant tablet, and connects the past with the present. During my first sermon in this pulpit, there sat in the side aisle, facing Whitefield's monument, a young- man some few years younger than myself. The ser- mon impressed him, and not long after he united 94 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. with the church. That was in our youth, forty-six years ago. Today again I am in the pulpit, he in the pew. He is the donor of that me- morial tablet. It is a long interval. I have known him through it all — in trials that have tested his man- hood and his piety; as I also knew the one who was with him through all, so active and beloved in this church, his latest and greatest loss, the ever present memory of whom, really suggested the tablet. But in looking forward — the young preacher and hearer, then for the first time brought into touch — how little could we have surmised the future up till today; what it would be to us or for us — what it would enable us to be or to do? How little they that start out in the morning for a day's sail, know what may come down upon them before it is ended — the chill of the wind, the enveloping fog, or even worse! In 185 i (I think) I was out sailing with a merry party, when a dense fog settled down upon us. We lost our way entirely, till one went aloft and looked over the fog. Speaking of such things in life, my Elder Pritchard — a man of excellent mind and thought — once said in our prayer meeting: "We must go aloft and look over the fog;" a simile out of his own pro- fession as a rigger of ships — and it all came vividly back. I had seen it done; and have used it since as 9 5 THE ANNIVERSARY PROCEEDINGS WITH THE Program, Addresses and Correspondence. Previous to the time fixed for the celebration of our one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, an invita- tion was publicly given to every congregation in the city, as well as to every man, woman and child in our own parish, to attend all the exercises. A more formal invitation was sent to the ministers, the city officials, absent members of our church, and individ- uals known to have a claim on us for this mark of respect on account of their having descended from former pastors, or from families noted for services done in our society. The invitation was as follows: 99 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY "^he a Miss Elizabeth C Adams, Soprano. Miss May Davol, Contralto. Dr. George E. L. Noyes, Tenor. Mr. William E. Chase, Bass. Mrs. Isadora Flanders, Organist. AFTERNOON SERVICE, 2.30 O'CLOCK. _ _ , j . c, . Gounod Organ Prelude in b , Doxology. Lord's Prayer. Te Deum, Hymn 203, "O God, we Praise Thee and J „ . Patrick Confess, Psalm 9 6, . • R ead b >' Rev - Samuel ShaW - '" Rev. W. C. Richardson, of St. Paul's Church. Anthem, » This is the Day," • • A. R. Gaul Address of welcome, John T. Brown, Esq., Chairman of General Committee. Response, • • ' * , Rev. Daniel T. Fiske, D. D., of the Belleville Church. I ox ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Memorial Tablet (gift of John T. Brown, Esq.) Presented by George F. Stone, Esq., of Chicago. Acceptance of the Memorial Tablet, for the Society by the Pastor. Anthem, " Come to Our Hearts and Abide," J. C. Macy Greetings from "Mother Churches:" First Church of Newbury, by Rev. F. W. Sanborn. First Religious Society of Newburyport, by Rev. S. C. Beane, D. D. Old Church of Londonderry, N. H., by Rev. S. F. French. Messages from the absent, Read by Mr. Wm. E. Chase. Poem by Mrs. Elizabeth K. Haskell, Read by Mrs. David Foss. Hymn, 964, "O God, Our Help in Ages Past," Isaac Watts Benediction. Organ Postlude, "Alia Marcia," . . Guilmant EVENING SERVICE, 7.30 O'CLOCK. Organ Prelude, Grand Orlertoire in G, . Loretz Anthem, " Praise Ye the Father," . . Gounod Psalm 84, . . Read by Rev. A. W. Hitchcock. Singing, " Over the Mountain Wave," Hon. George Lunt Prayer, By Rev. John R. Thurston, of Whitinsville. Solo, " Our Risen King," . . A. F. Loud Miss Adams. Historical Address, "The Glory of the Fathers," By Rev. Horace C. Hovey, D. D., Pastor. Hymn, 1060, "O God, beneath Thy guiding hand," Leonard Bacon Benediction, . Rev. A. G. Vermilye, D. D. Organ Postlude, " Festival March." . Leybach 1 04 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Program for Wednesday, April 8, 1896. <& IO S- Baptist, Church in Xewburyport, 105, 165. Bartlet, William, 36, 150. Bass, Bishop Edward, 24. Bath-Kol, by Murray. 40. Batchelder, Edgar J., 163, 202. Bayley, William H., iS2. Beane, Rev. S. C, D. D., 104, 122. Beecher, Rev. Henry Ward, 156. Bell, the Revere, 151, 172, 191 — 195. 203. Belleville Church, 7, 103. Bequests, sundry, 169 — 173. Bible, the pulpit, 65,66, 148. Binley, William, 100, 105, 137, 1S0. 1S1. Bisbee, Rev. R. E., 157. Boardman, Isaac H., 173, 1S2. Mrs. Elizabeth A., 173. Boothbay, Maine, Church in, 37, 38. Boston, city of, 16, iS, 29, 34, 156, 157, 184, 203. Presbytery of, iS, 30, 39, 64, 123, 137, 1S6. Brown, John T., 3, 5, 95, 96, 100, 103, 104, 105, 106. in, 115, 117, 169—173, 180, 1S2, 208. John, 26, 2S, 179, 1S1, 183. Mrs. Ellen T. (fund,) 173. Harold L., 116. Philip S., (of Kansas city.) 141 . 215 INDEX. Bradford, city of, 153. Bridgeport, city of, 64, 157. Bunker Hill, 205. Burroughs, Pies. G. S., 157. Byfield, 27. Caldwell, James, 87, 180, 182, 200, 207. Calvin, Rev. John, 11. Calvinism, 44, 45, 49, 71, 122. Campbell, Rev. Randolph, 77, 80, 93- Cambridge Platform, 19. Carter, Delevan Knight, 134, 160, Cenotaph, the Whitefield, 36, 101, i73- Chapel, the Old South, 26, 55, 56, 67, 1S6, 200. Chase, William E., 100, 102, 103, 104, 137, 201. Mrs. Laura T., 102. Cheever, Rev. George B., 92. Churches, (see special titles.) Church and State, 22. Clarke, Bishop Thomas C, 146— 14S. Rev. George H., D. D., 84, 148—150. Thomas M., 1S0, 200. Cleland, Mrs. P. S., 154, 155- Clerks, church, list of, 181. Parish, list of, 182. Clock, tower, 117, 169—173, 191— 195- Cochrane, Rev. W. R., D. D., 105, 134. i57' 161, 162. Coffin, Joshua, 8, 25. College, Amherst, 56 Dartmouth, 47, 184. Harvard, 23, 27, 45. Rutgers, 62. College, Wabash, 9, 64, 157. Williams, 59. Yale, 48. Collectors, parish, list of, 1S3. Committee, General, on anniver- sary, 3, 4, 103, 105, 164, 165, 169. on incorporation, 175 — 177. on publication, 5, 174, 176. Special, 3. 4, 163, 164, 192, 207. of the parish, 4, 169—173, 190, 202. Committee-men, list of the, 1S1, 182. Confession of faith, 12, 13, 15, 31. Congregationalists, the, 16, 19, 33, 109, 165, 201. Connecticut, 19, 39, 48 Controversy, 43, 44, 58, S9, 122, 123, 144, 156, 1S6, 199. Communion plate, 185, 186. Craighead, Rev. Alexander, 145. Cross, Ralph, 28, 32, 65, 179, 185. Crypt, the Old South, 149, 151, 188— 191. Curfew, ringing the, 173, 192. Curtis, Mayor A. R., 156. Cushing, Caleb, 8,6S,S7, 114, 150, 212. Dana, Rev. Daniel, D. D., 10, 42— 47- 54- 75- 77. 89. "3- US- 119, 124, 126, 146, 177, 179, 207, 211. descendents of, 157, 209. Davenport, Rev. H. A., 157. Davol, May, 103. Day, Lucius L.. 158. Deacons, 4, 52, 85, 147, 151, 177. 1S0, 1S1, 195. Decorations, of the meeting- house, 100, 101, 117. Denton, Rev. Richard, 15, 13S. Dexter, Rev. Henry M., D. D., 19, Lord Timothy, 192. 2l6 INDEX. Dimmick, Rev. Luther F., 80, 82 Discipline, methods of, 200. Dodge, Rev. John W., 106. Donnell, Charles C, 163, 183. George, 87, 180, 200. Duffield, Rev. Howard, D. D., of New York, 140. Durfee, Rev. Charles S. , 59, 60, 113, 115, 119. Mrs. Charles S., 157. Eagle Wing, the Presbyterian ship, 14. Edwards, Rev. Jonathan, 25, 30, 144. Elders, ruling, 4, 18,20,30,31,52, 85, 177, 179, 1S0. Ellinwood, Rev. Henry F., 15S. Emerson, Rev. John E., 56. Emery, Mrs. Sarah M., (fund) 173. England. Church of, 13. Episcopalians, 12, 24, ^, 34, 62, 109. Fanueil, Peter, 34. Federal Street, 26, 143, 151. Female charitable society 47. prayer-meeting, 209. Fencing the table, 42. Fiske, Rev. Daniel T., D. D., 9, 75, 103, 106, 107, 164. Flanders, Mrs. Isadore organist, 103, 168. Foss, Dr. David, 4, 164, 1S2. Mrs. Ada B S., 104. Foot-stoves, 54, 196. Founders, list of the, 183, 1S4. French, the, 11, 34. Rev. S. F., 104, 123, 124. Frescoing, 195. Frost, Elizabeth C, 118. Funerals, 36, 185, 196, 199. Furnaces, 55, 189. Garrison, William Lloyd, 114, 209. Georgia, state of, 145. Gerrish, Elizabeth, 209. Goodwin, Major, 84, 183. Gould, Hannah F., 150. Great Awakening, 24. Greely, John A., 1S2. Lucius H., 101. Greenleaf, Ada M., 201. Mary C.Si, 151, 200, 211. Circle, 67. Greetings from churches and friends, 150 — 162. Guelpa, Philip, frescoer, 195. Hale, Dr. Frank A., 56, 61, 201. Hancock, John, 203. Harrod, Phoebe, 46, 66, 86, 173, 192, 200. Haskell, Rev. E. C, 157. George W., 183, 201. Mrs. Elizabeth Kimball, 3, 104, 134- Hartford, Connecticut, 19,60, 90, 150. Hart, Mrs. Eliza A., (fund), 173. Hector, landing of the, 33. Hempstead, Christ Church of, 15, 106, 13S, 139. Henry, Patrick, 17. Hitchcock, Rev. A. W., 104. Historical Aftermath, 174 — 214. Society, of Boston, 158. Society, of Newbury, 9, 142, 165- Home department, 201. Homes ofthe pastors, 198, 209 — 213. 217 INDEX. Hopkins, Louisa Parsons, 112, 115, HOPKINSIANISM, 45, 89. Hovey, Daniel, of Ipswich, 9. Professor Edmund Otis, D. D. 9> J54- 157. 158. Mrs. Helen L., 201. Rev. Horace C, D. D., 3, 64, 79, 100, 103, 104, 115, 117, 179, 212, ctjwssim. Others of the family name, 155, 15S. Howard, Francis A., 3. Rev. Roger A., 182, 201. Huguenots, the, 11, 34, 70. Huntington, Lady, 41. Incorporation, acts of, 34, 17s — 17S. Independence, Declaration of, 17, 36, 139, 145, 203, 205. Indiana, State of, 9, 156, 15S. Invitation, 100. Iowa, State of, 157, 158. Ireland, 13, 37. Isles of Shoals, 82. Jacoby, Charles YV\, 165. Jaques, Edmund, 4, 1S0, 1S1, 201. George H., 4, 201. Johnson, Isaac, 179, 1S8, 195. Mrs. Ella M. W., 102. Ella M., organist, 105. William H., 189. Jones, Alice G., 201. Captain Oliver O., 4, 180. 182. Joppa, in Newburyport, 7, 25. Kansas, State of, 155. City, Mo., 141. Kerr, Rev. F. M., 139. Rev. J. D., 140. Kentucky, State of, 157. Kingsbury, Rev. J. D., D. D., 153. Knox, Rev. John, 12, 19, 22. Ladies' and Gentlemen's Associa- tion, 68, 208, 212. Leavitt, Alvah W., 4, 100, 1S0, 1S1, 1S2. Lexington, 145, 204, Little, the family line, 155. Enoch, conversion of, 1515. Eliza A., oldest member of our church, 209. Rev. Henry, D. D., of Texas, 155- 156. William, of Newbury, 165. Londonderry, in Ireland, 14. In New Hampshire, 16, 29, 39, 42, 47- 53- 104, 123. Lord, Alfred W.. 196, 206. Philip, 194. Rev. Charles E., D. D., 105. Lowell, Rev. John, 25, 26. Lunt, Ezra, 85, 180, 182, 204, 205, 207. George, S, 150. Mary P., pianist, 201. Paul, 205. Philip H., 61. Luther, Martin, 11, 144. Marine Society, of Newburyport, 214. Mather, Rev. Increase, 23. Mec klenberg Declaration, 145. Meeting-house, the Old South, 26, 50, 51, 52, 58, 81, 87, 100, 117, 146, 147, 149, 169—173, 175, 187, 1S8, 193, 202, 207. Membership, of the church, 65, 66, 67, 81, 87, 93, 200. 2 I INDEX. Memorial Tablet, for the pastors, 102, 104, 11 1 — 120. Merrimac Bible Society, 47. Humane Society, 47. Methodists, the, 24, 34, 76, 109, 156- 157- Mills, Rev. Charles P., 105, 130, 131, 165. Miltimore, Rev. James, of Belle- ville, 205. Milton, Rev. Charles W., 41. 42. Mitchell, Rev. James, Ph. D., 157. Ministers, list of, 178, 179. Missionaries, 46, 47, 67, 82, 90, 150, 154, 1S4. Money, 150, 154, 184, 185, 198, 210. Monumental temple, 50. Moody, John, 1S2, 18S. Joseph, 151, 1S0, 181, 183, 186. Morehead, Rev. John, of Boston, 29, 38, 51. Murray, Rev. John, 36, 37 — 42, 88, 89, 113, 115,119. *57i !79. 184. 198, 199, 205, 208, 209, 210. Music, sacred, 52, 53, 54, 147, 149, 151, 168, 195 — 197, 202. Maofaddin, Rev. T. James, of Second ». J res. Church, 105, 125, 126, 127. MacDonald, Rev. Peter M., Ph. D., of Boston, 105, 137, 163. McCorkle, Rev. William A., D. D., of Detroit, 156. McGregor, Rev. James of Lon- donderry, 16, 29, 30. McIntosh, Hiram P., 171, 209. McKemie, Rev. Francis, 15. Xegro pews, so called, 190. New Side and Old Side, 144. Newbury, town of, iS, 20, 24, 26, 33, 122, 144, 166, 167. Newbury, West, 7. 24. First Church and Parish of, 26, 28, 31, 43, 65, 104, 121, 122, 166, 167. Third Church and Parish of, 25, 26, 30, 31, 65, 122, 133, (see First Religious Society of Newburyport.) Newburyport, city of, 7, 24, 34, 68, 79, in, 169 — 173. Herald, 165, 172, 207. News, (imprint.) Presbytery of, 9, 39, 1S6. churches and societies of, (see special titles.) Newell, Rev. William W., Jr., 60, 61, 62, 113, 115, 119, 132, 179, 208, 212. New Hampshire, state of, 16, 17, 39. (see Londonderry, etc.) New York, 46, 62, 139, 140, 15S. (see Presbytery, etc.) North Congregational Church, of Newburyport, 46, 130, 165. Northampton, Mass., 23. North Carolina, State of, 144, H5- Noyes, Dr. George E. L., singer, 103. James, teacher, of Newbury, 20, 21, 33. Joseph H., 171, 1S1, 201. Oak Hill cemetery, 47, 57, 59. Official record, 17S — 184. 200, 201. Old School and New School, (see Controversies.) Old South Church, (see Presbyte- rian, First Church.) Organ, of the Old South Church, 196, 197. 219 INDEX. Origin of the First Presbyterian church, 3, 25, 26, 27, 30, 144. Palls, for funerals, 185. Park, Professor Edwards A., 157. Parker, Rev. Thomas, of New- bury, 20, 21, 3^. Parish, First Presbyterian, etc. (see Society.) Parsons, Rev. Jonathan, 27 — 36, 38, in, 113, ii5- "7> IIQ > 144, 178, 186, 187, 188, 189, 19S, 203, 207, 210. Descendants of, 111, 157, 207. Captain Jonathan, (elder,) 180. John D., 1S0, 182, 201. Pastoral library, 5. 46, 197. 206. Patton, Rev. Myron O., 105, 127, 128, 129. Pelham, Mass., church of, 30. Pettingell, Moses, 65, S6, 1S0, 197, 207. Petition to the King, 31, 32, 33. Pearson, Jeremiah, 179, 181, 195, 196. Mrs. Lucy, 77, 7S. Pilgrim fathers, 22. Pilochie pilgrims, 15. Pittsburgh, first Sabbath school in, 46. Philip, Robert, (author), 189. Philadelphia, 16, 37, 46, 77. Pike, Rev. John, D. D., 150, 152. Plant, Rev. Matthias. 24. Plumer, Albert, 117, 169 — 173. Charles H., 208. Nathan, 180, 194. Alice, 209. The Misses Jane, Maria and Mehitable, 170. Dr. Daniel T., and family, 170, 172. Poetry, 134, 135, 136, 159 — 162, 199. Polity, ecclesiastical, 19, 109, no, 123, 138, 156, 1S6, 187. Pope, Rev. Louis A , 105, 165. Porter, Professor Ebenezer, 36. Winfield P., 105, 132, 133. Portraits, of pastors, 101, 206, 207, 208. Preliminaries for the anniver- sary, 3, 4, 98, 99. Presbytery, power of the, 19, 20, 21, lS6, 187. "In a church," 20. Boston, 18, 30, 39, 64, 123, 137. 186. Concord, 143. the Eastward, 39. 40, 41, 1S6. Grafton, 39. Londonderry, ('Irish,) 28. Londonderry, 28, 30, 39, 42, 1S6. Newburyport, 9. 39, 1S6. Palmer, the "Western," 39, 1S6. Philadelphia, the "mother pres- bytery," 16. Salem, the "Eastern," 39, 47, 186. Presbyterianism, American, 19, 20, 21, 70. Knox's plan of, 19, 20. Congregationalized. 19. Presbyterian church, Bridgeport, First, 157. Kansas city, First, 140. Newburyport, First, 3, 23, 34, 43' °9- 7°' et passim. Newburyport, Second, 42, 43- 47, 105. 125, 127, 192, 196. Londonderry, 47, 53, 104, 123. New York, First, 139, 140. New York, Fourth, 140. 2 20 INDEX. Presbyterian parish, first of Newburvport, 34, 51, 169, 175, 176. Prince, Rev. Joseph, the blind preacher, 36, 124, 188, 189. Princeton Seminary, 56, 63. Pritchard, Charles M., 164, 171, 1S0, 183, 201. Edward D., 134, 159, 201. Captain William, 87, 95, 1S0, 1S2, 183, 201. Program, for the anniversary, 102, 103, 104. 105. Proprietors, of the meeting- house, 51, 175. Prospect Street Church, Con- gregational, 42, 43, 77. Proudfit, Rev. John, 50, 51, 75, 91, 113, 115,119, 14S, 149, 151, 179, 208, 211. Psalms of David, 53. Pulpit of the Old South meeting- house, 101, 148, 195, 196. Puritans, the, 12, 13, 60, 65, 85. 13S. Quakers or "'Friends," 29, 33, 34. Queen Anne, "Act of Security", 13- Queen Anne chapel, in Nevvbury- port, 24. Reade, Sir Charles, 20S. Rebellion, war of the, 114, 11S. Reed, Prentiss II., 3. 100, 165, 1S3. Tula M., 165. Reid, Rev. John H., 105, 129, 130. Reserved rights, 30, 122. Revere, Paul, 101, 192. The bell, 151, 172, 191 — 195, 203. Revolutionary war, 17, 38, 40, 44, 113, 191, 198, 202 — 206. Richardson, Rev. Richard H., 56, 59, 94, 113, 115, 119, 179, 208, 212. Mrs. Octavia W., 157. Rev. William C, 103. Rocky Hill, meeting house, 125. Rodgers, Rev. John. 140. Rolfe, Ebenezer, 4, 180, 201. Roman Catholics, 12, 34, 55, 11S. church in Newburyport, 55. Rouse's version of the Psalms, 53. Rowley, Dr. Pike of, 151. Roxbury, first Sabbath School in, 45- Rundlette, Mrs. Emily M., 102. Sabbath Schools, 45, 46, 56, 150, 200, 201, 209. Salaries of early Pastors, 198. Salem, city of, 18, 39, 47, 186. (see Presbytery.) Sanborn, Rev. F. W., of Newbury, 121, 122. Sargent, Moses H., 201. Rufus, 194. Saybrook Platform, 19, 2S. Scotch Presbyterians. 12, 13, 20, 22, 53, 70, 11S, 124. Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 2S, 39, 53, 70, 118, 124. Sea captains and sailors, 59, 68, 79, S7, 126, 150, 206, 214. Seal, of the First Presbyterian Church, next title page, authority for making and using, 177. Session of the Church, 4, iS, 19, 20, 21, 30, 53, 164, 177, 190, 200, 207. INDEX. Sexton, of the parish, 55, 149, 163, iSS, 202. Shaw, Rev. Samuel, 103. Silloway, Thomas W., architect, 194. Simpson, Captain Paul, 87, 180, 182, 183. Sinclair, Rev. Brevard D., 63, 113, 115, 142, 143—146, 179, 208, 212. Smith, Charles T., 4, 171, [72, 182. Ebenezer, 4, 180 182. Society, First Presbyterian, New- buryport,34,5i, 169, 175, 176, et passim . First Religious, Newburvport, 26, 43, 46, 49, 104, 122, 123, 141. Fourth Religious, Newbury- port, 42, 43, 77, 127, I2S, 129. Female Charitable, 47. Historical, of Newbury, 9, 142, 165. Marine, of Newburvport, 214. Merrimac Bible, 47. Merrimac Humane, 47. Sabbath School and Tract, Newburvport, 46, 200. Young People's Christian En- deavor, 67, 101, 105, 130, 131. Spring, Rev. Samuel. 85, 89, 90, 199. Sproat, Rev. James, 1S7, iSS. Stearns, Rev. Jonathan F., D. D., 10, 56. 57- 75- 76, 77- 93' 10S, 113, 115, 119. 152, 179, 1S6, 189, 190, 20S, 112. Sargent P., 152 153. Stone, George F., 104, iti, 157. Stoves, introduction of, 55, 149, 196. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, New- burvport, 24, 103, 147. Superintendents, of Sabbath School, 200, 201. Synod, the power of, 19, 23, 38, 62. of Albany, 1S7. of New England, 38, 39, 186. of New York, 21, 62. Taxation, resisted, 31, 32, 34, 44. Tennants, William and Gilbert, 25-37- Texas, state of, 155. Thanksgiving Day, 41, 49, 80 206. Theological Seminary, Andover, 39, 45, 150, 154, 157. Bangor, 108. Lane, 64, 154. Union, 62. Third Church of Newbury, (see Newbury.) Thurston, Rev. John R., 104, 106, 167. Tilton, Dudley D., 1S0, 201. Titcomb, Enoch, 154, 179, 1S1, 1S3. Treasurers' accounts, 184, 185. of the church, 181. of the parish, 183. Tucker, Mrs. Lydia B., 157, 209. Tuttle, President Joseph F., D. D., 157. Tything men, 202. Unitarians, 16, 25, 26, 34, 43, 4S, 49, 104. 122, 134, 141. University of New York, 62. Utah, state of, 154. Vane of the Old South meetint house, 191, 193, 194. 222 INDEX, Vermilye, Rev. Ashbel G., D. D., 3> 56, 75 — 97» 104—106. 113, 115, 1 1.9, 166.167, 179, 207, 208, 212. Wallace, Rev. Charles C., 1). 1).. 9, 62, 63, 113, 115, 119, 179, 20S, 212. Mrs. Mary S . 1 ^7. Waldexses, II. Ward, Rev. John W. of People's M. E. Church, 156. Watts, Isaac. 104, 199. Watts and select hymn-book, 53, 199. Weathercock, 191, 193, 194. Wesley, Rev. John, 109. West Newbury, 7, 24. Westminster Assembly, 14. 19 Confessions and catechisms. J 3- 15. 3i- Wheelwright, Abraham. 149, 180, 200. Mrs., 1 86. W. 1)., 20S. Whispering gallery, 87, 11S. Whitefield, Rev. George, Bible of, 65; coming of, 23, 24: founder of the First Presby- terian church, 34, 109, 131, 144 ; preaching of, 21,, 24, p^- 77- 78, 79- 1 12, 140, 143, 144, 155, 162, 173; in North Car- olina, 143; death of, 35, 36, 20S; remains of in the crypt, 36, 76. 90, 126, 143, iSS, 191 ; Will te FIELD— Con tinned. cenotaph of, 36, 37, 101 ; monumental temple for, 50; portrait of, 1 19, 20S. Circle, in First Presbyterian Church, 67. Congregational Church in New buiyport. 56, 105, 129. 130. Whittier, John G.. 165 Williams. Rev. Samuel P., 9. 10. 2 5. 34- 48— 50. 75- 77. 82, 91, 113- "5. i'9- M7- '48, 157, 179, 208, 211. Roger, 22. Winder, John W.,4,5,99, ,01. 171, 176, 182, 196. 20S, 212. Mrs. Clarissa J. G., 99, 101, 102, 196, 20S, 212. Wishard, Rev. Samuel. D. D , 154. 155- Withington, Rev. Leonard, 9. 4^, 50, 77, So, Si, 147. Witherspoon, Rev. John, 17. Wolfe Tavern, 163. 164. Woods, James M., 4, 180, 1S2. Worcester, city of, 16. Rev. Samuel, D. D., 53. Wyatt, Benjamin, 1S0, 1S2, 192. Young People's Society of Chris- tian Fndeavor, 67, 101, 10$, 130, 131. Men's Christian Association, 61, 105, 132, 133. 223