ROCKY HILL MEETING HOUSE. 
 
'Wie' 
 
 WCST iAKISFl f FlURCFl, 
 
 SALISBURY, MASS, Jpt^ f^' '■'-'' ^^^ 
 
 SnE lUN'DREDTH INNIVERSARY, 
 
 June 17, 1885. 
 
 Printeti fag ortter of tlje Committee of tije ^arisij. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 The Gukk Curtis Co., Pkinter.s, 31 Hawley Street. 
 
 1885. 
 
I- 74 
 
 2i 
 
 
THE ANNIVERSARY OCCASION. 
 
 Two years ago the subject of holding an anniversary service in the church 
 was suggested by a few persons, and the same was noticed by the local press. 
 As the time approached, members of the parish and interested friends sug- 
 gested that a meeting be called for the purpose. Accordingly, on the evening of 
 February 21, 1885, such a meeting was held at the parsonage-house, and was 
 called to order by Dr. A. T. Brown. Robert Drummond was chosen president 
 and Wm. Y. Morrill secretary. The following committees were chosen: 
 
 Committee to Arrange for Speakers and Historical Address: Wm. E. 
 Morrill and W. H. B. Currier. 
 
 Committee to Arrange for Catering : Dr. A. T. Brown and Robert 
 Drummond. 
 
 Treasurer : C4eo. W. Collins. 
 
 Committee to Arrange for Music: Dr. A. T. Brown, Rodney Currier, 
 and W. H. Day. 
 
 Several meetings followed. 
 
 March 21st, the Committee on Speakers reported that an invitation had 
 been extended to Rev. S. J. Spaulding, d.d., of ISTewburyport, to deliver 
 the historical address, and he had accepted; and that Hon. R. S. Spofford 
 had accepted an invitation extended to him, to deliver a short address sup- 
 plementary to the reading of a poem, written by Harriet Prescott Spofford; 
 and that Mr. J. W. Nye, of Lynn, would contribute a poem to the occasion. 
 
 At a meeting held April 2oth, W. H. B. Currier was chosen president of 
 the day for the Anniversary, and submitted the programme of exercises for 
 the occasion, which met the approval of the meeting. 
 
 A Committee on Reception of Invited Guests was chosen, comprising the 
 following ladies and gentlemen : Geo. W. Collins, Wm. E. Morrill, W. H. B. 
 Currier, Cyrus W. Rowell, Mrs. Geo. W. Collins, Mrs. C. W. Rowell, and 
 Miss Sarah F. Morrill. 
 
 Voted, To fix the date of the celebration the 17th of June. 
 
 Voted, That the committee make suitable arrangements; and that all the 
 pastors of the churches of Salisbury, Amesbury, Merrimac, South Hampton, 
 
-1 THE OXK irUXDHKDTII ANNIVKUSARY OF 
 
 N. II., (regardless of denomination), and pastors of churches in Xewbury- 
 porl, be invited to participate in the anniversary service. Circulars were 
 accordingly issued, and a favorable response was received from nearly all 
 the clerg3^men invited. 
 
 THE SERVICES. 
 
 Upon the morning of the anniversary day, June 17th, the sky was cloudy; 
 l)ut as the hour for the opening service approached — 10.30 A.^r. — the sun 
 shone forth in splendor, and the day was all that could be desired. 
 
 The singing was under the direction of Moses Flanders; and the music 
 was most acceptably rendered by a chorus choir, with some fine selections 
 sung by Mrs. Emma J. Williams of Portsmouth, N. H. 
 
 The services throughout the day — commencing at 10..30 a.m., and ending 
 at 4.30 P.M. — were of much interest. In the church, closing at 2 p.m., 
 after which came the dinner in the tent in rear of the church, followed by 
 speeches from clergymen and others present. An adjournment to the church 
 was made, where the choir again favored the people with selections from tunes 
 "our fathers sang." As the sun began to descend behind the western hills, 
 the large audience — coming from all sections of the country to visit, perhaps 
 for the last time, the old church where they and their fathers and mothers 
 worshiped — departed for their respective homes, with expressive greetings 
 that it was a day and an occasion of pleasant memories, which would tinge the 
 sunset of life with new joy. In all its features it was an inspiring scene — the 
 old family pews filled with long absent friends, greeting those whom they had 
 not seen in such church relations for half a century or more; the gallery front 
 lined with its choir of fifty singers and players upon instruments; the sur- 
 rounding seats filled with happy faces, Avith here and there a representation of 
 ^' ye sixth generation;" the ancient elevated pulpit with its high sounding- 
 board; the hour-glass which did service in the parish church nearly two 
 hundred years ago; and the venerable preacher now in the eighty-first year of 
 his age occupying the pulpit, all combined to remind one that the past and the 
 present were happily blended. 
 
 ORDER OF EXERCISES. 
 
 Voluntary. 
 
 Invocation by Rev. O. A. Roberts of Salislniry. 
 
 Singing: "Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah." 
 
 " 'Tis by Thy strength the mountains stand." 
 Reading of Scripture by Rev. Clarence Pike, of Salisbury. 
 
THE WEST PAKISII CHURCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 5 
 
 Singing of Centennial Hymn (written for the occasion by Joseph W. N'ye, 
 of Lynn): 
 
 CENTENNIAL HYMN. 
 
 Praise ye the Lord! This temple; stands 
 
 As flrmly on tliis festal day 
 As when it left the builders' hands, 
 
 And souls first met to praise and pray. 
 It still withstands the storm's fierce shock, 
 For it is " founded on a rock." 
 
 With thankful hearts and reverent joy 
 
 This sacred court today we tread; 
 Let grateful praise our tongues employ. 
 
 While we recall the sainted dead, 
 Who in this temple's former days 
 Oft sanctified the place with praise. 
 
 Though prouder fanes bestud the land. 
 
 Embellished by the touch of Art, 
 With lofty spire and sculpture grand. 
 
 None may be dearer to the heart; 
 Here none the less may God be found. 
 No less this place is " holy ground! " 
 
 The generations yet to come, 
 
 With jealous care will cherish still 
 Our fathers' early " Sabbath home," 
 
 The pride and crown of Rocky Hill ! 
 They constant sought this loved retreat. 
 And found herein God's mercy-seat. 
 
 Our Father, God, whose love and might 
 
 Unfailing holds eternal sway. 
 Illumine with Thy Spirit's light 
 
 Our souls upon this joyful day; 
 And when our days on earth are o'er. 
 Take us to praise Thee evermore! 
 
 .•^olo by Mrs. Emma .T. AVilliams. 
 
 The president of the day introduced, as one of the oldest clergymen in 
 this State, — for many years acting pastor of the church, — Rev. Albert G. 
 Morton, of Salisbury, now in his eighty-first year, and the sixtieth year of 
 his ministry. 
 
THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF 
 
 ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 
 
 Mr. President, Friends, and Fellow-Citizens : In compliance with the 
 wishes of the Committee of Arrangements, I rise to present to you on this 
 occasion their most cordial sentiments of welcome greeting. 
 
 As I look over this large assembly before me, I am reminded of the 
 language of the prophet who was instructed to say to the North, give up, 
 and to the South, keep not back, bring my sons from far, and my daughters 
 from the ends of the earth. 
 
 The North and South, the East and West, have most generously and pleas- 
 antly responded to the bidding of Providence this day, in the most respectable 
 representation now present. 
 
 As I look on the pleasant countenances before me, I am reminded of an 
 incident narrated of Gen. Washington, who was making a brief stop in the 
 town of Newport, R. I. While there, he thought he would afford himself 
 the pleasure of a morning excursion among some of the adjacent districts. 
 Before he had completed his prospecting, he was met by a gentleman who 
 belonged to the Society of Friends, who had seen him elsewhere, and who at 
 once recognized him, and approaching him, with extended hand grasped that 
 of the General, saying as he did so, " Well, George, I am glad to see thee, 
 and thou art welcome to our town." So I would say to all before me, you are 
 welcome to our town; welcome to this community; welcome to " Rocky Hill," 
 to this ancient and venerable church, where doubtless the ancestors of many 
 present used to assemble for the public worship of God; welcome to our 
 homes, our hospitality, and our hearts. Most sincerely do we desire that your 
 visit at this time, and the services of the occasion, may be a source of most 
 pleasant recollections to one and all so long as memory shall perform the 
 duties of its office. 
 
 " And when your evening sun 
 
 Shall reach its distant west, 
 • May life's great business well be done, 
 IMay you in Heaven rest." 
 
 Singing: Tune, " Westminster." c. M. 
 
 " Thou great and sovereign Lord of all, 
 Whom heavenly hosts obey; 
 Around whose throne dread thunders roll, 
 And vivid lightnings play." 
 
 Tune, " New .Jerusalem." c. M. 
 
 " From the third heaven where God resides. 
 That holy, happy place. 
 The New Jerusalem comes down 
 Adorned with shining grace." 
 
THE WKST PAKI.SII CHrKCII, SALISBUKY, MASS. 
 
 i'rayer by the Rev. D. T. Fiske, d.d., of Newburyport. 
 
 " Blow ye, the trumpet blow, 
 
 The glad, the solemn sound, 
 Let all the nations know 
 
 To earth's remotest bound, 
 The year of Jubilee is come, 
 Return ye ransomed sinners home " 
 
 Mrs. Emma J. Williams, of Portsmouth, N. 11., saug, with tine effect,, 
 Departed Days.'' 
 
 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 
 
 BV REV. S. J. SPAULDIXG, D.D., OF NEWBURYI'ORT. 
 
 It is the advice of an old rhetorician that at the very commencement of 
 his address a speaker should put himself on good terms with his audience. 
 But in violation of this sound counsel, I must beg leave here to suggest an 
 implied censure of the good people of Salisbury, that they have allow^ed nearly 
 two hundred and fifty years to pass and yet have made no provision for an 
 adequate town history. There are few settlements in the commonwealth of 
 Massachusetts which have more interesting or more ample materials for such a 
 work than this same old town of Salisbury. The character of its founders, 
 their struggles and their achievements, their sectional jealousies and political 
 and religious partisanship, all constitute a course of town-life, so varied and so 
 suggestive, that they deserve to be recorded in a careful, accurate, and dis- 
 criminating history : and this day, this spot, this occasion, should give a 
 strong impulse toward the accomplishment of this desirable object. 
 
 It is noticeable in all the early New England settlements that there was an 
 irrepressible disposition to go outside of allotted boundaries. There was a 
 fringe of hunters, fisherman, adventurers, fortune seekers, around every plan- 
 tation granted by (he General Court. This was the fact respecting Ipswich 
 and Newbury, and also with regard to Salisbury. A certain venturesome John 
 Bayly crossed the Merrimack, and in 1()37 built his log cabin in Salisbury. 
 
 In answer to a petition presented to the General Court, September 6, 1638, 
 by Simon Bradstreet and others, leave was granted for a plantation at Merri- 
 mack, on the north side of the river. This was the tirst legal and permanent 
 occupancy of this town. The upland, with the exception of a few cleared 
 spots occupied by the Indians for planting corn, was an unbroken forest. The 
 marshes and meadows were covered with rank grasses. As it was late in the 
 year when leave was granted for the plantation, it is not probable that any set- 
 
3 TIIK ONK mNDItKDTIl ANMVKKSAItV OK 
 
 tlemenl was niadc upon il until the opeiiiuL,' of the next year, 1030. The 
 inducement which led to the settlement of Salisbury was doubtless the same 
 which led to the settlement of all the prominent points on the coast, from 
 Massachusetts Bay to Mason and Gorge's line, — namely, a fear of the French, 
 Avho had already tui'ned Cape Sable and were coming down with their settle- 
 ments upon the coasts of Maine, bringing a foreign language and religion. 
 
 The original boundary of Salisbury included the present towns, Amesbury, 
 Merrimack, and in New Hampshire, South Hampton, a portion of Kingston, 
 Plaistow, Newton, Seabrook, and Hampstead. In 1639 allotments of land 
 were made to settlers and libei-al grants were given to the minister, Rev. Mr. 
 "Worcester. 
 
 For you will note that no place could have the sanction and the protection 
 of the General Court of Massachusetts Hay, unless it was able to build a 
 church and maintain both a minister and a schoolmaster. 
 
 The foundation of our New England education and civilization was laid 
 in religion. And worship was esteemed indispensable to a sound morality and 
 a vigorous state. September 4th, 1639, the General Court gave the plantation 
 at Merrimack the name of Colchester. But the reason for which this name 
 was chosen is not known to me. That it was not acceptable to the majority of 
 the people appears from the fact that October 7, 1640, it was changed by the 
 General Court from Colchester to Salisbury. Mr. Merrill, in his history of 
 Amesbury, conjectures that the name of Salisbury was taken out of considera- 
 tion to Mr. Christopher Batt, who came from Salisbury, England, in 1038, and 
 was an influential member of the first company. The settlers, many of whom 
 were among the colonists of Newbury, just across the river, were of the best 
 and sturdiest blood of Old England. They ^vere men of moral worth and 
 worldly substance. Ten of the sixty grantees were honored with the title of 
 Mr., which shows their social standing and influence. A log meeting-house 
 was among the first buildings erected, and their minister, Rev. Mr. AVorcester, 
 was among those who first received grants of land; and at the very outset, that 
 much abused and much defamed New England institution, the town-meeting, 
 came into prominence, and was, in fact, the educator, and, next to the church, 
 the controlling force in our New England civilization. And among all the 
 associations connected with this old building there are none more distincth^ in 
 your minds today than those of the town-meetings of old Salisbury, held year 
 after year within its walls. These meetings were the primary schools of our 
 state and national legislators, and in the early days of New England these 
 meetings were regarded as the great fountains of social, politi(ual and moral 
 power. Something can be learned of their aims and scope by a citation of 
 some of their votes. They were self-respecting, and so they ordered "that 
 every freeman when speaking in meeting shall take off his hat and rise w^hen 
 speaking and put it on when done." Voted: " That no one shall be allowed 
 
THE WEST PARISH CHURCH, SALISBURY, JIASS. 9 
 
 to fell anie tree ou anie highway or street in or near ahout ye towne or on the 
 Green, under a penalty of 20s/' They took the matter of the calendar in 
 hand, and ordered " yat ye year shall be accompted thus — from ye tirst of 
 ISTovember to ye hist of ye 1 month (March) shall be winter months, and ye 
 seven other summer months, and all laborers for ye winter months, shall have 
 no more but IGd per day, and for ye sunniier months 20d per day; and all 
 carpenters shall have "id per day more yan laborers, that is 18d per day in win- 
 ter and '22d per day in summer."' 
 
 The price of labor and of all commodities were regulated by the town- 
 meeting. The meeting-house was not regarded as too sacred for such assem- 
 blies, and the presence of freeman engaged in the discharge of duties to the 
 commonwealth and the community, left no stain of desecration on the place 
 where God was worshiped. Indeed, in the minds of our fathers the church 
 and the state in their higher functions were one and the same. So that in their 
 esteem no place was so appropriate for the town-meetings as the meeting- 
 house, and no duty was more sacred and peremptory than the duty of the free- 
 man to the state. Thus the state was hallowed by religion, while religion took 
 a piactical aspect and influence from the state. 
 
 But to turn from these fascinating glimpses of early town-life in New 
 England to church affairs in Salisbury. The tirst meeting-house was probably 
 constructed of logs, and occupied a lot on the open green, by the easterly corner 
 formerly owned by Mrs. Ikiswell. There is no known record extant which 
 fixes the year in which it was built. But, from the universal custom of the 
 people to arrange for a place of worship at the very beginning of a settle- 
 ment, it is probable that this roughly-constructed log meeting-house was built 
 in 1639, — certainly not later than 1640. A bell, brought from England by 
 order of Rev. Wihiam Worcester, was hung upon it in 1642. 
 
 The first intimation of. any desire for a second church appears in a petition 
 sent to the General Court in 1646 by some of the Salisbury people, for a new 
 church organization. This petition was referred to a committee consisting of 
 Mr. Richard Dummer, Mr. Edward Rawson,and Mr. Carleton. They were 
 instructed "to search and examine things at Salisbury, and make return of 
 their thoughts thereabouts, and return their thoughts." This petition un- 
 doubtedly arose in this paiish, as the west side of the Powow river, now 
 Amesbury, was very sparsely settled, and the people there were in no condi- 
 tion to maintain a minister. But in the west part of Salisbury the population 
 had increased in consequence of the mills erected at the falls of the Powow. 
 This was undoubtedly the initiatory movement for the Second or West Church 
 in Salisbury. 
 
 In 1652 the tirst meeting-house built on the Green at East Sali>bur3f was 
 repaired and enlarged by a frame addition of sixteen feet. Fi-nm tlie fact that 
 
10 TlllC ONE lIlXJ)i:i:i)TII ANM\ KliSAliY ^)K 
 
 the addition was mt'iilioned as " a new frame,'' it is inferred that tlie meeting- 
 house itself was built of logs. As earlj' as 1()."')4, it api)ears, from artieles of 
 agreement made and coneluded the fourteenth day of the lirst montli, that 
 a separation of the ten-itorv of old Salisl)ury ^\as contemi)latcd in the near 
 future. The Powow river was to be the dividing line between the old and 
 new town. Among these articles is the following: 
 
 " It is t'urtlier agreed and concluded by cacli jiarty that the said inhabitants of the new 
 towne shall contribute to the mayntenance of the ministry of the old towne untill such tyme as 
 the said inhabitants of the new towne do call one to exercise among them in the work of the 
 ministry, and allow him mayntenance from which time the said inhabitants shall be freed from 
 contributing any longer towards the mayntenance of the ministry of the old towne as aforesaid." 
 
 This was the germ of the township of Amesbury, — which was legally 
 incorporated in 1(360, and named Amesbury in 1007. In 1005 the lirst meeting- 
 house in Amesbury, and the second in the territory of Salisbury, was built. 
 The erection of that meeting-house undoubtedly delayed for more than fifty 
 years a movement for the erection of one in what is now the territory of 
 West Salisbury. 
 
 For a long time the Second Church in Salisbury had been in contemplation, 
 and the distance from the meeting-house in the lower part of the town had 
 become an intolerable grievance to the people of the upper or west end. " The 
 distance," they say, " was so far that aged persons and younger ones cannot in 
 reason travel to it." 
 
 In some cases new parishes came into being on account of i)ersonal 
 animosities or sectional divisions. But in this case, as in a majority of our 
 New England towns, we find that growth of population and remoteness from 
 the old meeting-house were the predominant causes of the movement for a new 
 parish. It was so in Newbury, in Amesbury, and in Salisbury. This move- 
 ment almost invariably met with opposition from those living near the old 
 church. It is difficult to say at what precise time the desire for a church in the 
 upper or west part of the town took shape in definite action. . But, as early as 
 1712, we find that the building of a church had been determined upon and a 
 committee chosen for the prosecution of the work; and on December 24, 1712, 
 further time was given them for the accomplishment of the work assigned 
 them. 
 
 Salisbury was an exception to the general course of action in constituting 
 a new church. It was unwilling to be divided into two parts in its taxation 
 for the maintenance of religious worship, and so for nearly a hundred years it 
 built and repaired its meeting-houses and its parsonages and supported its 
 ministers from the common town-treasury. But it is very evident that there 
 was a fear on the part of the residents of East Salisbury that if a new house 
 
THK WEST rAltlSII CaUUCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 11 
 
 of worship was erected in the western portion of the town they might not fare 
 as well. Hence the stipulation made July 28,1714: 
 
 " For as much as there hath bin sura diffrence concerning the place where ye new meeting 
 house should sett, for the apeasing whereof and yt Love & Unity may be continewed amongst us 
 and conveniency as may be attended by each part of ye town. 
 
 ' • 1st. It is concluded and agreed upon the new meeting house in ye upper part of ye town 
 shall from time to time and {it all times be kept in good repayr, and a new one also sett up at ye 
 lower eand of ye town when it is thuoght needful by ye lower part of ye town, and that an ortho- 
 dox minister always provided to tech in ye sd meeting house from time to time and at all times 
 as at present. 
 
 " It is secondly for the conveniency and ease of ye middle and upper part of ye town. It is 
 also agreed when that ye new meeting house now Ready to be Raysed shall be sett at or nere the 
 Loge house so called nere the upper Schul house in the most conveniantest place tlier and that 
 ther be an otoughdox minister called and Settled to prech the word of God in the said meeting 
 house from time to time as sone as may be. 
 
 " Thirdly, that the charges arising for repairing and building both meeting houses, Person- 
 age houses and the Saliries of the ministers shall from time to time and at all times hereafter, be 
 defrayed and paydbythe whole town according to each Persons ability. 
 
 " Above said was voated in ye affirmative by ye town every Paregraft of it according to ye 
 mening and intent of it." 
 
 The meeting-house was so far completed, that on May 24, 1716, it was 
 voted to assign places for the pews and the persons were to build them " at 
 thayr own cost and charge and they were to be finished by the last day of the 
 next May." '' November 15, 171(J, it was voted that Mr. Gushing, then minister 
 of the church in East Salisbury, should be desired to preach every other sab- 
 bath day at the new meeting-house except weather prevents him." It was 
 also voted at the same meeting that the town will " begin the building of a 
 parsonage-house this winter near to the new meeting-house." 
 
 This new meeting-house had evidently become a disturbing element in the 
 town; and June 10, 1717, it was voted that Rev. Mr. Gushing should occupy 
 the new meeting-house, and, in effect, abandon the one at East Salisbury. 
 It is probable that this vote was never carried into effect, for we find that by 
 vote of the town six months later, December 16, 1717, Rev. Joseph Parsons 
 was called to preach at the new church. His salary was to be eighty pounds,— 
 one half in money and one half in provision at " mony's price." It was also 
 voted that he should have the use of the parsonage at Rocky Hill, near the new 
 meeting-house, and that it should be fenced, also three tracts of land. But the 
 parsonage Avas not yet built, and so it was ordered that the same should be 
 done forthwith. You will notice, in looking over the records, that there was 
 extreme jealousy between the two parts of the town, and a constant effort to 
 hold an even balance in all matters pertaining to the ministers and the meet- 
 ing-houses. So, two days after this action, December 18, 1717, the salary of 
 Mr. Gushing was made eighty pounds, the same as that offered to Mr. 
 
12 TIIK ONK HrXI)Ki:i)TlI AN.Nl \ KKSAi; Y Ol' 
 
 Pai'sous. Tlie salary of Mr. Parsous was again up for discussioii and fixed at 
 seventy-five pounds, and Mr. Parsons came into town-meeting and declared 
 his acceptance of the terms of the settlement. November 19, 1718, the church 
 Avas formed, and subscription made to the following covenant by twelve 
 persons: 
 
 " We do this day in a grateful sense of the call of Christ unto us avouch the Lord Jehovah 
 to be our God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and giving up ourselves to God in Christ and one an- 
 other, we do by the grace of Christ assisting us, cheerfully submit ourselves to his government 
 and to all his ordinances and institutions, taking and acknowledging him to be our prophet, 
 priest and king, farther promising by the grace of Christ to shun and avoid all errors with all 
 unrighteousness and ungodliness. We do also with ourselves give up our seed to be the Lord's, 
 submitting thtm also to the discipline and government of Chi-ist in his church, promising more- 
 over that we will endeavor to uphold and promote the worship of God in public or in private; 
 and finally that we will walk together as a church of Christ in all mutual love and watchfullness, 
 to the building up of each other in faith and love, humbly craving help at the hands of God for 
 the performance hereof." 
 
 This covenant was signed by Benj. Easman, Amos Page, Onesiphorus 
 Page, Jeremiah Stevens, Abraham Morrill, James Thorne, Joseph Parsons, 
 John Webster, Thomas Clough, Joseph Chandler, William True, Isaac Morrill. 
 
 November 28, 1718, Rev. Joseph Parsons was installed pastor. 
 
 You will notice that in the covenant subscribed by these persons there is 
 no distinct creed. This was in accordance with the custom of our eai'ly New 
 England churches, and it was not until nearly a century later that " Articles of 
 Faith" containing a creed were adopted. 
 
 In 1724, £15 4d. was added to the salary of each of the ministers. In 
 1736, it was voted to give to the reverend ministers, Mr. Gushing and Mr. Par- 
 sons, one hundred and fifty pounds apiece, "each to enjoy the parsonage 
 houses and barns, respectively, and five acres of land adjoining to them, pro- 
 vided that they relinquish all their interest in the rest of the parsonage land 
 and meadow." To this proposition Mr. Gushing assented; as to the action of 
 Mr. Parsons no record is made. 
 
 Mr. Parsons died in Salisbury, March 13, 1739, in the sixty -ninth year of 
 his age, and in the twenty-first of his ministry. 
 
 He was born in Northampton, June 28, 1G71, and was the son of Joseph 
 and Elizabeth (Strong) Parsons; graduated at Harvard, 1697; ordained at Leb- 
 anon, Gt., November 27, 1700; and was dismissed in 1708. He was active in 
 organizing the town of Lebanon, as well as the church there, and was appointed 
 by the General Assembly of Connecticut, to lix tlu' boundary of that town and 
 Colchester on the west. 
 
 His ministry in Salisbury was a successful one, and during its continuance 
 of nearly twenty-one years two hundred and ninety-one were added to its 
 membership, — an annual average of nearly fourteen. The church was strong 
 
THE WKST PAItlSII CHURCH, .SALLSHUKY. MASS. 13 
 
 in members and iu inlluence. Upon his tombstone is the following epitaph: 
 "He was an eminent Christian and a well-accomplished minister, able, faithful, 
 laborious, and successful," 
 
 He married Elizabeth Thompson, daughter of Dr. Benjamin Thompson 
 of Hoxbur\'. They had five children, — four sons and one daughter. His son 
 Joseph, born in Lebanon, Ct., October 29, 1702, graduated at Harvard in 1720, 
 was ordained at Bradford, June 8, 1726, and died there May 4, 1705, aged 63, 
 having a ministry of thirty-nine years. Samuel, born at Salisbury 1707, grad- 
 uated at Harvard ^college 1730, and was settled in Rye, N. H., ISTovember 3, 
 173('), di(Ml January 4, 1789, aged 82, in the fifty-third year of his ministry. 
 WiUiam, born at Salisbury, April 21, 1716; graduated at Harvard college 1735, 
 and was settled in South Hampton, ISJ". H., 1743; was dismissed after a ministry 
 of about twenty years. Elizaljeth, born 1718; married Rev. Jeremiah Eogg of 
 Kensington, IST. H. John, born October 15, 1725; died October 28, 1740, 
 while a sophomore in Harvard college. I give in this instance the family facts, 
 to show how many of his sons were educated at Harvard college, and followed 
 in the footsteps of their father in their choice of a profession. 
 
 On the death of Rev. Mr. Parsons, the inhabitants of the town were called 
 together to make provision for his funeral. The whole arrangement, as indi- 
 cated by the records, was thoughtful, becoming, and generous. Eighty pounds 
 were appropriated for this purpose. With a keen sense of justice, and extra- 
 ordinary forecast, they coupled whh this a like appropriation " for the funeral 
 of our Reverend Mr. Caleb Cushing, whensoever it shall please God to remove 
 him by death." And this was provided for, "although the town may be 
 divided into two parishes, or precincts before that time. "This is the first inti- 
 mation that I have seen looking toward such a division. Evidently the idea 
 had been entertained, and was gaining strength. 
 
 April 10, 1740, the town gave the use and improvement of the parsonage, 
 barn, orchard and pasture for the present year to the widow of Mr. Parsons, 
 reserving accommodations for " ministers' horses, which come to preach at the 
 West meeting-house," as it is ambiguously worded in the record. At the 
 same meeting the question was also put, " whether Rev. Mr. Cushing and 
 Madam Parsons shall have equal interest, benefit, improvement, profit, and 
 advantage of the whole parsonage in Salisbury for the present year as Ihey 
 shall agree," and it was voted in the affirmative. 
 
 August 27, 1740, a call was extended to Mr. Edward Barnard to settle over 
 the West Church, but nothing came of it, as a remonstrance signed by fifty 
 names was sent in against the settlement of Mr. Barnard or any other person 
 until the meeting-house is moved to some point where it would be more con- 
 venient for the upper parish. Whether tlie location of the meeting-house was 
 the cause, or only the occasion, of this opposition to Mr. Barnard, it is 
 
14 THK ONE IIUXDREDTII ANXIVKHSARY OF 
 
 impossible to determine. We think it could not have been from a want of 
 esteem for Mr. Barnard, who was afterwards the settled pastor of the First 
 Church in Haverhill for more than thirty years. 
 
 Tlie next year, March 24, 1741, Rev. Samuel Webster of Bradford was 
 called to the pastorate; and at a town-meeting June 2Gth, lie sent in his letter 
 of acceptance. No terms are recorded, but it is probable they were nearly the 
 same as those made to Mr. Barnard, — namely, one hundred and seventy 
 pounds. 
 
 Mr. Webster was ordained August 12, 17-il. In the churcli records, in the 
 handwriting of Mr. Webster, is the covenant which he propounded to persons 
 to be admitted to the church. This is almost verbally the same as that used by 
 his predecessor, Mr. Parsons. It seems to have been the practice of clergy- 
 men in those days for each to make his own church covenant, and to use it 
 without any vote of adoption by the church itself. It is doubtful if the churches 
 took any part in the reception of members. No record certainly was made of 
 any church action, and nothing appears except the names of persons with dates 
 of their admission. Dr. Webster was born in Bradford, August IG, 1718, and 
 graduated at Harvard in 1737. After a ministry of nearly fifty-tive years, he 
 died July 18, 1796, aged 78. In a brief sketch of liis character by Rev. Thomas 
 Gary, pastor of the First Churcli in Newburyport, we glean the following: 
 
 " At the time when he entered the sacred office, his mind was so impressed with the impor- 
 tance of the work in which he was about to engage, that he was ready to abandon all thoughts of 
 the calling. In his preaching he was remarkably clear and plain. There was an earnestness in 
 his manner which convinced his hearers that he himself felt what he delivered. He did not 
 preach the things which he considered of doubtful disputation. He possessed a happy talent in 
 visiting his people, and could adapt himself to their circumstances, and, in a pleasing manner, 
 give them instruction. The beauties of Christian virtue were exhibited by his whole life." 
 
 His publications were a sermon, 1750, and ordination sermon, 1772; a Fast 
 sermon. The Duty of an Enslaved People, 1774; a sermon to two companies of 
 minute-men, 1775; election sermon, 1777; two discourses on Infant Baptism, 
 third edition, 1780; and a sermon on the death of John Tucker, d.d., of New- 
 bury. While speaking of the father I am reminded of his sou, a native of 
 Salisbury. Rev. Samuel Webster, Jr., the eldest child of Dr. Webster, was 
 born in Salisbury, September 16, 1743, graduated at Harvard college 1761, and 
 was ordained at Temple, N. H., October 2, 1771. He was a most zealous and 
 devoted patriot. In 1777, young Webster was preaching to the militia in 
 Groton. The country was alarmed by the progress of the British under Gen. 
 Burgoyne. While the sermon was in progress a courier rode up to the church 
 door and shouted, "Ticonderoga, Crown Point." They had fallen. "Send men: 
 the wliole country is marching." " Let us go immediately," said Mr. Webster. 
 A man in one of the rear pews rose and said, " I seem to hear a voice from 
 
THE WEST PARISH CHURCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 15 
 
 heaven ' not to go.'" "That voice is from hell," thundered Mr. Webster, 
 " we are called upon to go." He insisted on being one of the volunteers, and 
 from the exposures of that campaign took a sickness from which he died 
 August 4, 1777, aged 34. 
 
 December 1, 1778, we find the following record: 
 
 " With due respect and regard to our reverend ministers, it is the opinion of the town that 
 our reverend ministers are deticient in preaching some of the most important doctrines of the 
 gospel, such as these following: the depravity of human nature, the necessity of regeneration 
 and free justification before God by the imputed righteousness of Christ alone. To see if it is 
 the opinion of this town that if our reverend ministers would preach up the before mentioned 
 doctrines of the Gospel and change with the neighboring ministers, viz: Rev. Mr. ^'oyes of South 
 Hampton, Rev. Mr. Hibbard of Amesbury and the Rev. Mr. Noble of Newbury, it would have the 
 greatest tendency to unite the inhabitants of this town together in love and peace and the only 
 means of their having a free and generous support from this town. Voted in the affirmative." 
 
 It is evident from this vote that the town was stirred and divided by the 
 religious questions which for more than a quarter of a century had moved all 
 the American colonies, and especially New England. Only eight years before, 
 Whitelield, one of the leaders in the great awakening, had died in K'ewbury- 
 port. Ministers, meetings, and parishes, in town and country, were agitated 
 and divided. Much bitterness and wrangling everywhere existed. It is not 
 strange, therefore, that Salisbury should have been affected by this prevailing 
 excitement. Indeed the soil was congenial to it. It was at the East Parish 
 that Kev. John Wheelwright, brother-in-law of the notable Anne Hutchinson, 
 was settled for seventeen years. The people here were always accustomed to 
 debate religious questions. And it is recorded that the quota of Essex County 
 on their way to fight the Indians in Connecticut, stopped in their march to 
 settle some points of religious controversy. The inhabitants of the town never 
 outgrew this tendency; and the discussions in Salisbury town-meeting in 1778 
 (the year of the battle of Monmouth and of the coining of the French fleet 
 to our aid), were but the natural outgrowths of the heated religious controversies 
 of the century before. Not only did the town by its vote name the doctrines 
 which it desired should be preached, and even the ministers with whom their 
 pastors should exchange, but in no equivocal manner it indicated to them that 
 if the vote was not regarded the salaries would not be paid. Nor was it 
 a blind and bigoted zeal for these points which dictated Ihe votes of implied 
 censure of their pastors. Dr. Webster and Mr. Noyes, but an intelligent theo- 
 logical faith in these doctrines, as lying ai the base of gospel truth. Dr. 
 Webster was pronounced in his opposition to the course of Kev. Mr. White- 
 field, and was one of the signers to a letter sent by two of the ministerial asso- 
 ciations of this vicinity, dated December 2(J, 1744, to the associated ministers 
 of Boston and Charlestown. (See 15. .jS3. Tracts. JJoston Atheuienm). 
 
2(J Tin-; OXK nUN'DHKDTU AXXIVKKSAIJY OF 
 
 In 17'.»4 ii call was extended to Rev. Jonathan Drown to .settle as a col- 
 league with Dr. Webster. As conditions of his acceptance, Mr. Brown wislied 
 a larger salary than was offered and that the churcli adopt " the Presbyterian 
 o-overnment." .V conunittce of conference reported in favor of complying 
 with these conditions, but their report was not accepted, and it was voted 
 " not to make any additional sum to Mr. Brown's salary nor to adopt any new 
 form of government." 
 
 A town which in open meeting would take action upon the doctrines 
 which it desired to have preached in its pulpits, vvas not a town to put aside its 
 Congregational feality at the request of any candidate however attractive and 
 eloquent. It was at the suggestion of this same Mr. Brown, however, that a 
 stove was placed in the church and ever after became a tixture there. It was 
 during the ministry of Dr. Webster that the town of Salisbury was divided 
 into two parishes,— the East and the West. The act passed the legislature 
 March 15, 17!)3. During the ministry of Dr. We])ster three hundred and 
 twenty-one united with the church,— an annual average of nearly six. 
 
 The third pastor of the Second Church of Salisbury was Rev. Andrew 
 Bealtie, who was ordained June 2S, 1797, and died March IG, 1801. He was 
 the son of William and Hannah Beattie, and was Imrn in Chelmsford aljout 
 17G7, and at the death of his father, his mother removed to that part of Brad- 
 ford which is now Groveland, and Andrew was placed under the care of his 
 uncle, Dr. John Beattie of Chelmsford. He graduated at Harvard in 179.5-, 
 and received a bachelor's degree from Brown University the same year. 
 May 8, 1797 the parish concurred Avith the church in calling Mr. Beatiie to be 
 their pastor. His ministry was very brief, — three years and nine months. 
 
 He was married January 29, 1799, to Mary Boardman, daughter of -lohn 
 and Judith (Marsh) Boardman of Xewburyport. The marriage was thus 
 noticed in the Boston " Centinel": 
 
 " On their way to Salisl)ury the bridal pair were met by eighteen sh>ighs filled with the most 
 respectable of the bridegroom's parishioners, who congratulated them on the joyous event, and 
 accompanied them to the parsonage house where a liberal entertainment was provided. One 
 such mark of respect shown to the Rev. clergy reflects more honor on the inhabitants of the 
 Northern States, and more fully demonstrates their good sense, than were ever conferred on, or 
 exhibited by, the deluded idolaters of French massacres and principles, in civic o.\-feasts, 
 choruses and riff-raff processions." 
 
 The Parish Tax Book of 179;» shows that in that year, when the sum of 
 .S4(>9.14 was voted for the support of pul:)lic teachers and other necessary 
 charges of the West Parish, three hundred and seven polls were assessed in 
 their polls and estates to raise that sum. The largest amount paid l\y any one 
 person was .ifl2.43, and the smallest nine cents. 
 
 Mr. Beattie in his short ministry evidently had won both the respect and 
 the atfection of his parishioners. 
 
THE WEST PAKISII CHURCH, SALISBURY, INIASS. 17 
 
 The following obituary was published in the ISTewburyport " Herald," 
 Mai-ch 17, 1801: " The pious and devout life which Mr. Beattie exhibited both 
 as a neiohbor and a friend, a husband, parent, and pastor, and that resigned and 
 submissive temper which supported him during more than eighteen months of 
 consumptive illness, call on the public to mourn the loss sustained, and to 
 mingle the tears of condolence with the deeply alflicted widow, connections, 
 and destitute flock." 
 
 At the time of the ordination of Mr. Beattie the lines of division in the 
 Congregational churches had not been drawn, so that the First Church in New- 
 buryport with its pastor, Rev. Mr. Cary, sat side by side willi the church of 
 strathani, N. H., under the care of Rev. Mr. Miltemore. 
 
 At the suggestion of Mr. Beattie a new form of church covenant was 
 adopted July 25, 1797. 
 
 At the same time it was voted to have the administration of the Lord's 
 Supper on the second Sabl)ath of every other month, and that a collection be 
 taken up to which all were expected to contrilmte. At the same time, also, the 
 practice of persons '' owning the covenant," for the purpose of having their 
 children baptized, was abolished, — except with those to whom it had heretofore 
 been granted. Tlie Tate and Brady collection of psalms and hymns was 
 exchanged for those of Dr. Watts, June 14, 1799. It was voted that on Satur- 
 day preceding the communion, a meeting should be held as preparatory to 
 that service. Also, the reading of the articles to be proposed to candidates 
 for admission to the church, before the whole congregation, was adopted. 
 
 In 1S02 the church gave a call to Mr. Pliny L. Dickinson, but in this ihe 
 parish, by a vote of sixty-seven to forty-five, refused to concur. 
 
 The fourth pastor of this church was Rev. William ]3alch. He was the 
 son of Rev. Benjamin and Joanna (O'Brien) l^alch, and was born in Danvers, 
 Mass., January 17, 1775. The family was living there at that time, while the 
 father. Rev. Benjamin Balch, who had been previously settled at Mendon, 
 Mass., served as chaplain in the squadron of Paul Jones during the Revolu- 
 tion. After the Revolution he was settled at Barrington, US'. H. William 
 Balch prepared for college at Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H., and was for 
 three years in Harvard college. He belonged to the class of which Dr. Chan- 
 ning and Judge Story were members. He studied theology with his father. 
 He excelled as a Latin scholar, and possessed a large library of miscellaneous 
 English I)ooks, of which he was a diligent student. Previous to any settle- 
 ment he served as chaplain in the navy, tirst on l)oard the Congress and then 
 on board the Chesapeake, for a year or more, from November 19, 1799. He 
 was ordained pastor of this church November 17, 1802, and was dismissed 
 February 20, 181(). He was installed in Salem, N. H., December 1, 1819, and 
 dismissed August 0, IS;];"). Mr. Balch spent the last years of his life at Ded- 
 ham, Mass., and died there August .'31. 1842, aged sixty-seven. He was buried 
 
18 illE OXE IIUXDKKDTII AN'XIVEHSAUY OK 
 
 in the cemetery near the village of Dedliam. a few miles froTn the birth-place 
 of his father and the tomb of his grandlather, wiio was for thirty-seven years 
 pastor of the Second Church in that town. 
 
 During the latter part of the ministry of Mr. Balch, many of the church 
 and parish became seriously disaffected and were unwilling to aid in his sup- 
 port. After much unpleasant contention an ex-parte council was convened by 
 the church, which Mr. Balch consented to make mutual; and by it matters 
 were so adjusted, that he was honorably dismissed February 20, 1(S1C. These 
 difficulties arose out of the heated political feelings which divided the com- 
 munity, and it is a credit both to the pastor and the people that they were at 
 last most happily adjusted. We have a memento of that council in a bill paid 
 to Mr. David M. Leavitt, amounting to $4(5.1)0. The churches called on this 
 occasion were those in Seabrook, Hampton Falls, Fourth in Xewbury. Exeter 
 West in Amesbury, and East in Haverhill. 
 
 Tlie West Parish in Salisbury to David M. Leavitt, Dr. 
 
 To Ijrandy and ruin as per bill $9 20 
 
 To 4 turkeys 4 60 
 
 To 8 chickens 2 00 
 
 To 5 lbs. loaf sugar at 37'^ cts. per lb 1 88 
 
 To 1(5 lbs. bacon at Vl^i cts 2 00 
 
 To 3S lbs. beef 2 82 
 
 To 3 lbs. raisins and currants 40 
 
 To 6 lbs. brown sugar §1 00 ; ).i lb. tea $1 00 2 00 
 
 To butter, cheese, horse-keeping, potatoes, and lodgings, &c. . . 10 00 
 
 To time and trouble in attending on council and others . . . 10 00 
 
 To journey to Exeter and Hampton Falls with horse 1 50 
 
 $4<> 90 
 David :M. Leavitt. 
 
 Money advanced and to be deducted from this bill: 
 
 Rec'd. Joshua Follansl)ee . . . . • $5 00 
 
 " Jacob Brown 2 00 
 
 " Col. Smith 2 00 
 
 " Capt. Collins ■ 3 00 
 
 $12 00 
 Octol)er 22d, 181G, received payment in full. 
 
 During the interval from the dismission of Mr. Balch in 1816 to the com- 
 ing of Father Sawyer in 183o, the pulpit was supplied by a committee, and the 
 preachers remained for a longer or shorter period. Tiie parish keenly felt the 
 want of harmony in feeling and concert in action. At the annual meeting in 
 1817, a committee of fifteen was chosen to take into consideration the critical 
 situation of the parish ; and they recommended that when the pulpit was not 
 
THE WEST PARISH CHURCH. SAMSBCRY, :\IASS. 19 
 
 supplied by the committee, liberty be given to introduce preachers of other 
 denominations provided they were persons of decent attainments and good 
 moral character. This report was adopted. 
 
 More or less every year now signed off , as it was called, under the Religious 
 Freedom Act, and worshiped in other churches. 
 
 In 1820 a very earnest effort was made to unite with the East Parish in a 
 joint support of religious services, each having the supply on alternate Sab- 
 baths. It is much to be regretted that this very reasonable plan was not 
 adopted. The leading men in both parishes desired it, and it is not easy to see 
 why it was not carried through, unless perchance they found it dithcult to 
 agree upon the same preacher. The period of half-day Sabbath services had 
 not yet come. 
 
 In 1822 the Eev. Thomas C. Upham, afterwards a professor in Bowdoin 
 college, preached here with great acceptance; and but for his previous 
 engagement in Rochester, X. H., he would doubtless have been called to a 
 pastorate in this parish. In 1823, some were in favor of asking aid of the 
 Home Missionary Society, but at the annual meeting in 1823 it was voted not 
 to do so. Then followed, as suppHes, Rev. Mr. Turner and Rev. Charles 
 Bowles, neither of whom was able to secure the united and harmonious co- 
 operation of the whole parish. 
 
 In April, 1820, a committee was chosen to confer with the Unitarian 
 society at Amesbury in regard to a candidate who would be acceptable to both, 
 but nothing came of it. 
 
 Xovember 1, 1827. Yoted, that any person may put up a stove in the 
 meeting-house, provided it is done without expense to the parish. April 5, 
 1818. Voted, to allow persons to cut wood on the parsonage lands to supply 
 fuel for the stove in the meeting-house. At this meeting it was also voted to 
 apply to the Home Missionary Society for the means to have preaching through 
 the year. But it does not appear that any such application was made. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Harris came as a supply in 1828. Rev. Thomas Rich came in 
 1829 and continued with the people until 1834, — the longest period of any one 
 of those who were not settled, except Father Sawyer. The failing health of 
 Mr. Rich compelled the parish to look elsewhere for a supply. 
 
 At the parish meeting. December 29, 1834, it was voted that a reasonable 
 compensation should be paid by the town for the use of the meeting-house for 
 town meetings. In 1835, April 7, the parish concurred with the church in 
 inviting Rev. Mr. Gunnison to become their pastor. At this same meeting it 
 was voted, that Thomas Buswell, John Morrill, and Morrill Currier be a com- 
 mittee to ascertain the i)robable expense of building a new house of worship, 
 or repairing this house in any and every way they may think expedient, and 
 report at tlie next meeting. 
 
20 THE OXK IH'XDliKDTlI AXXIVEKSAKY OF 
 
 At ii parish meeting, held April 17, 1835, it was voted to allow the town to 
 floor over the upper portion of the building and make a room for town pur- 
 poses nine feet in height. The town guaranteeing to keep the outside of its 
 portion in repair, and to pay the expense of extinguishing the individual rights 
 in gallery pews. 
 
 The meeting-house at this time was a good deal out of repair and needed 
 immediate attention. The question as to the legality of taxing the pew- 
 holders for outside repairs came up and was referred to the Hon. Caleb Gushing 
 for his opinion. It is inferred that it was in favor of the legality of the tax, 
 though the vote of !?GOO.OO for that purpose was reconsidered and §300. 00 put 
 in tlie place of it. 
 
 At the parish meeting, December 17, 1835, Rev. Mr. Sawyer, then of the 
 Sandy Hill Church, Amesbury, was invited to supply the pulpit. This invita- 
 tion was renewed April 4, 1836. In 1837 it was voted to get the church 
 insured. It was soon after this that the raising of money for parish purposes 
 by taxation was abandoned, and that of voluntary subscriptions substituted in 
 its place. 
 
 Rev. Benjamin Sawyer came to Amesbury in March, 1814, and was 
 installed pastor of the First Church in that town, June 19, 1816. That church 
 was gradually reduced, and at last became unable to support a pastor. Mr. 
 Sawyer removed to the parsonage in Salisbury, November, 1835, and for five or 
 six years preached for the First Church in Amesbury and West Church in 
 Salisbury. After 1841 he gave his entire time to the church in Salisbury. He 
 continued this connection until his death, March 26, 1871, aged eighty-eight 
 years and six months. He was born in Boothbay, Maine, September 22, 1782. 
 He prepared for college with Rev. Abijah Wines, at Newport, N. H., and 
 graduated at Dartmouth c liege, in 1808. He studied theology with Mr. Wines 
 and was approbated by the Orange association, N. H., in Ma}-, 180U. He was 
 ordained at Cape Ehzabeth, Maine (then Massachusetts), November 22, 1809; 
 dismissed September 15, 1813. 
 
 Father Sawyer preached his last sermon October 30, 1870, on which occa- 
 sion his mind was clear, and he spoke in the mild, tremulous tones which char- 
 acterized his delivery, reading his hymns and scripture without the aid of 
 glasses. His public labors were abundant. During his residences in Ames- 
 bury and Salisbury he attended 1,100 funerals and performed 1,400 marriages. 
 He served on the school committee of Salisbury for twenty-one years, and in 
 1844 and 1845 he represented the town in the legislature. May 15, 1859, he 
 preached a sermon at Rocky Hill on the fiftieth anniversary of his entrance 
 upon the ministry of the gospel. January 12, 1866, he celebrated his golden 
 wedding, — an occasion of interest and pleasure to many of you here today. 
 Father Sawyer was faithful and sympathetic as a pastor; kind, generous and 
 helpful as a citizen, neighbor, and friend; and consistent and exemi)l:'ry as 
 
THE WKST PARISH CHURCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 21 
 
 a christian. Since the death of Father Sawyer the supply of the pulpit has 
 been by Rev. Albert G. Morton, who has preached a part of the year. He still 
 lives, honored and respected by all. 
 
 Such, in brief, was the ministry of the Second Church in Salisbury. The 
 pastors were all educated, faithful. God-fearing men. The morality, the intel- 
 ligence, and the good order of the community attest their fidelity. I have not 
 time to speak in detail of the families and the individuals who were nurtured 
 by them, and will only name a few who must stand as representatives of a very 
 considerable number: Dr. Samuel Kye, Professor Horatio B. Hackett, Michael 
 Walsh, author and teacher; Joseph Wadleigh, teacher; Deacon Edward Dorr. 
 We pass now to the history of this building. 
 
 The tirst-meeting house in this parish was built about one-half mile to the 
 north of this building, on the training-field, and in the corner formed by the 
 old Portsmouth road and the so-called Dark Lane. It stood nearly in front of 
 the house now occupied by .John Smith, and near the farm-house owned and 
 occupied by Isaac Morrill. The place is now owned and occupied by Samuel 
 Smith. To the rear of the house of John Smith, a,nd a little to the north, are 
 the remains of the large rock on which was jjlaced the bell which summoned 
 the people into church. 
 
 Of some of the difficulties which were encountered in the formation of 
 the second parish, and in the erection of a meeting-house for its accommoda- 
 tion, I have already spoken. 
 
 It was so far completed May 24, 1710, that places for pews were assigned; 
 and on November 15, 171(:), it was voted by the town that Mr. Gushing of the 
 First Church should preach every other Sabbath at the new meeting-house. 
 
 The first house was used for nearly seventy years, and was taken down by 
 the contractors for the building of this house, that the materials might be used 
 in its construction. The sill on the east side came from the old church and 
 must be at least one hundred and seventy years old. All the materials in the 
 old house which could be made available were put into this building. The 
 erection of this house was decided at a town-meeting held January 18, 1785. 
 " It was put to vote to see if the town will repair our West meeting-house, and 
 passed in the negative." 
 
 It was then voted, " that a large committee consisting of persons from the 
 various parts of the town be requested to take into consideration the expe- 
 diency of a new mee^ng-house in the west end of the town. And if they 
 shall judge it necessary that a new house be built, that they prepare a plan of 
 such an one as they shall judge most convenient, and chose out and determine 
 upon a spot of ground suitable for placing the same, together with what they 
 shall suppose, after full consideration and inquiry, to be the best method of 
 proceeding in the affair. And that they lay the result of their deliberation and 
 
22 THK OXE IlfNDRKDTn AXXIVEKSARY OK 
 
 inquiry before the lowa for their approbation or disapprobation, at an adjourned 
 meeting. Tlie said committee to consist of eleven, viz.: Dr. Benjamin 
 Osgood, Ezekiel Evans, Aaron Clougli, Capt. Jonathan Evans, Lemuel 
 Stevens, Daniel Moody, Dr. Samuel True, Belclier Dole, Capt. Zebedee Mor- 
 rill, Moses True, and Ezekiel Morrill." 
 
 The meeting then adjourned for nine days, and then again for a week. 
 On February .3, 1785, the committee made their report as follows: " Upon delib- 
 eration and enfjuiry your committee thinks it best to build a new meeting- 
 house, viz.: forty-four feet by sixty feet on the sills or ground, and think no4 
 best to build where the old one now stands, but think the most convenient 
 place for said house to be built on to stand is on the parsonage land to the 
 westward of the parsonage house near Rocky Hill." 
 
 It was voted, that in the opinion of this town the place reported on which 
 to build the new meeting-house is a suitable place. 
 
 It was voted to accept of the report of the before-mentioned committee 
 with this one amendment: That if the committee to be chosen shall find it 
 expedient to enlarge the meeting-house, that they are directed to proceed 
 accordingly. And the said committee take down the old meeting-house at the 
 west end of the town and make use of so much of the timber and other things 
 there belonging as is suitable to the building of the new one, and prepare 
 other timber and other necessaries for the same, and that the committee com- 
 plete the said meeting-house suitable for public worship by the first day of-; 
 
 next. And if it shall so happen that any dispute arise respecting any timber 
 or other necessaries, or any work done or performed on said house, it shall be 
 settled in the judgment of Ebenezer Clifford, Esq., of Kensington, and Lieut. 
 Philip Challis of Amesbury; and that the committee give a bond of the sum of 
 two thousand pounds lawful money to the selectmen of this town for the 
 performance of the before mentioned. And the committee shall cause to be 
 sold at public vendue the pews that are to be built in the above-mentioned 
 meeting-house, and the money arising from the sale of the said pews shall 
 acrue to the committee for their engaging and performing all the aforegoing- 
 mentioned purposes, and also shall receive of the town one hundred pounds, 
 together with the remainder of the old meeting-house that is not suitable 
 towards building the new meeting-house, and no more. 
 
 Voted, To accept the proposals offered by Col. Jonathan Evans, May 
 Joseph Page, and others. 
 
 Voted, To leave it with the selectmen and the committee last mentioned, 
 viz.: Col. Jonathan Evans, Maj. Joseph Page, and others, as to the time when 
 the meeting-house shall be completed and of giving and receiving the bond as 
 before mentioned. 
 
 The locating and building of a meeting-house was very frequently the 
 occasion of disagreement, heated passions, and strife. Rev. Dr. Ide, of 
 
TIIR WEST P.vraSII CHURCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 23 
 
 Medway, Mass., once told me that the incommg of new denominations into 
 this commonwealth was due not so much to any change of conviction on the 
 part of the people, as to divisions in ihe older societies; and many of these 
 divisions arose in connection with the building of new churches. The building 
 of this edihce was the occasion of great differences in the West end parish. 
 
 At a town-meeting held May 17, 1785, a dissent to the proceedings of the 
 town was read, and put upon the town records, signed by Abel Morrill, Thomas 
 Bayley, Benjamin Joy, Samuel Merrill, Philip Greely, Belcher Dole, Abraham 
 Morrill, Daniel Merrill, Jr., Joseph Bayley, Reuben Morrill, Nathaniel Dole, 
 Aaron Morrill, Daniel Merrill, Samuel Dow, Stephen Merrill, Aaron Dow, 
 Perley Dow, Ezra Merrill, Ebenezer Tucker, Aaron Clough, Nicholas Merrill, 
 Jr. In their dissent they say: " We, the subscribers, who are inhabitants of 
 the town, judge that the town has not proceeded in a lawful way and manner, 
 and we forbid the committee, or any man or men, pulling or taking down or 
 moving our West meeting-house, and refuse and deny paying any part of the 
 above said hundred pounds, or doing anything towards building the above 
 said new meeting-house, or paying any part of the salary to the minister 
 that teacheth therein." This dissent was strong, decided, and influential. 
 Some of the names subscribed to the dissent were among the best citizens of 
 Salisbury. 
 
 In consequence of this dissent, a proposal was made by Deacon Kcuben 
 Morrill, Nathaniel Dole, and others, that the whole matter be referred to a 
 committee of three gentlemen, who should view the three places which had 
 been mentioned as desirable for setting the meeting-house and any other places 
 which might be mentioned, and that the decision of any two of this committee 
 should be final. To which was added, " And we promise, covenant and 
 engage each and every one of us to join and assist each other in building and 
 completing said house, or house for public worship." This proposal of Deacon 
 Eeuben Morrill and others, made in the interests of peace and unity, it seems 
 was not pressed to a vote, as but a small number of the disaffected were present, 
 and of course it could not morally bind the absent. The meeting was dissolved 
 therefore, having passed but this vote, that the selectmen and the committee 
 on building the house agree on further time to complete it. 
 
 At a town-meeting held July 18, 1785, the three deacons were appointed a 
 committee to wait on Rev. Mr. Webster and consult as to what would be best 
 in regard to public worship while destitute of a house, and report as soon as 
 may be. The meeting then adjourned to Rocky Hill to view the site proposed 
 for the church, and there voted to have no alteration in placing the meeting- 
 house. 
 
 It seems then that the opposition to the site did not avail to break off the 
 work, but that the preparalions went steadily on, and by mid-summer the 
 builders were ready to demolish tlie old church. Another remonstrance to the 
 
"24 I'm- 0>'''' lU'NDIiKDTH AXXIVKH.SAI! Y OK 
 
 building ol' the church on Rock}^ Hill, signed by about thirty persons, dated 
 July 28, 1785, was put upon the town records: " Whereas, there appears to be 
 a great uneasiness in the town on account of pulling down the old meeting- 
 house and building a new one on a place not convenient for our West part of 
 said tOAvn; we, therefore, whose names are underwritten, do hereby manifest 
 to the town that we are dissatisfied with such proceedings, and do utterly refuse 
 to pay anything towards building said house or supporting a public teacher 
 therein.'' 
 
 Most of these remonstrants resided to the north of the old church and 
 towards the I^ew Hampshire line. I now have a petition, dated July 20, 1785, 
 and signed by twenty-one persons, to the parish in'Seabrook, " to see if they will 
 agree with us and build a new meeting-house upon the Province line, or move 
 their meeting-house on to the said line, and in so doing we will join them in 
 ministerial affairs and settle a Presbettern minister and will pay our proportion 
 for said minister's support according to each of our Pols and Estates." The 
 placing of the meeting-house at Rocky Hill would compel them to take a longer 
 ride or walk. But the necessity of putting the church nearer the river, grew 
 out of the fact that the population on the river road had greatly increased. 
 The early settlers built their dwellings from one to three or four miles from the 
 river banks. The oldest houses are to be found today near the interior of the 
 town. But after the French and Indian wars were over, the people came dovvn 
 to the water side; and this church was placed here, rather than on the old site, 
 to accommodate the growing population on the river road. 
 
 August 1, 1785, a town meeting was held, and it was voted to " set the 
 meeting-house which was to be built to the eastward of the parsonage-house, 
 instead of the westward as voted in Februar3\" 
 
 Thus after six months of contention and wrangling the place where this 
 house now stands was determined upon, and the building of it went rapidly 
 forward. 
 
 The builders of the house were Messrs. Palmer and Spofford. These 
 were eminent craftsmen in their day; and the first bridge across the Merrimac 
 at Newburyport, the Pleasant Street Church, and many other buildings, attest 
 the skill and thoroughness of these men. Timothy Palmer of Newburyport 
 designed and erected the first permanent bridge across the Schuylkill, at Market 
 Street, Philadelphia, which was for many years a wonder in that city. The 
 church was so far completed that a town-meeting was held in it December 7, 
 1785, and this was the first town-meeting held in it of which we have any 
 record. 
 
 At this time there were several causes operating to the distraction of the 
 parish. But the division in regard to the site for this house was undoubtedly 
 the chief, and hastened the sad work of its decline. This dissension rose at a 
 period when there was a wide-spread religious declension in Massachusetts 
 
THE -SVE8T I'ARISH CHURCH, SALISBUllY, MA.s.S. 25 
 
 ■which followed the Revolutionan- war. And Salislniry suffered in common 
 with other portions of the commonwealth. The Sabbath was desecrated, the 
 sanctuary neglected, and the bible reviled as antiquated and effete. Eev. 
 Dr. AVebster, though an able and God-feai'ing man, had passed the meridian of 
 Ms life, and Avas poorly fitted to meet and roll back the evil intluences that were 
 coming in upon his ijeople. Added to all this, various denominations began to 
 rise in Massachusetts in greater force than ever before. The strife and hard- 
 feeling engendered by the dispute about the site for the meeting-house disposed 
 many in the parish to look favorably upon some other denomination as a vent 
 for uneasiness, instead of seeking concentration, and cultivating loj'alty to the 
 •church of their fathers. 
 
 Then a little later was the starting of two other communities, — one at the 
 Mills and the other at the Point, — and each was seeking to concentrate (and 
 justly too) as much moral and religious influence and as much pecuniary 
 strength as it could possibly obtain. Both these drew from this old parish at 
 the West end. In fact, this was the last stroke which decided against its full, 
 vigorous life in the future. There is not now a local population to fill these 
 pews and support here constant religious services. 
 
 In 1793, the town was divided by an act of the General Court into two 
 parishes, which were incorporated. The records of this parish, as distinct from 
 the town records, are full and complete to the present time. Of the old com- 
 munion set, eight goblets, two plates, and a baptismal basin, are now carefully 
 preserved by Mr. William E. Morrill. For many years there has been here the 
 ordinary life of a decaying rural parish. Still the old church stands, not 
 merely as a monument of the past but as a store-house of the most tender and 
 precious memories. Marriage trains have come in and gone out of these 
 -doors. Funeral processions have passed through these aisles, children Jiave 
 been brought here for baptism, and here the good Word of God has been 
 preached to guide the perplexed, to cheer the desponding, to help the weak, to 
 mould the lives and characters of its hearers to purity and truth. 
 
 And what an interesting old church this is! Parts of it came from the 
 first meeting-house on the Upper Green, which had been a silent witness of 
 the Sunday gatherings and the social talks of the people all through the trying 
 scenes of the Indian wars and the Revolution. It looked upon tiie gathering 
 of Salisbury men preparatory to their departure for Boston after they heard 
 of the battle of Lexington. In that old church the Declaration of Indepen- 
 dence was read at the close of the services the next Sunday after it was 
 received by its patriotic minister. Dr. Webster. 
 
 It was well that the town decided to put into the construction of this 
 church all the materials of the old church which could be used. Indeed, the 
 building seems to be replete with precious memories. The very anxieties, 
 discussions, perplexities, and oppositions through which it was carried only 
 
26 TIIIC ()S\i IIUXDKKDTH AXXIVKIJSAUY OF 
 
 make it tlie more dear to you. How its very peculiarities speak the language 
 of the times ! Here is the high pulpit where the minister was expected " to be 
 separated unto the gospel," and here he was to deliver his sacred message. 
 Below him sat the officers of the church for example, and for the preservation 
 of punctuality and order: it was indeed the house of God, and no frivolity 
 and no Irreverent whispering were to be tolerated. Here were the square 
 pews, — the family home. "God setteth the solitary in families," and here 
 they sat in no i)romiscuous slips. 
 
 There is infinitely more unseen than seen, within these walls. There 
 must have been good instruction here or there would not have been that 
 sturdy growth of reverence which has preserved intact and with religious care 
 this old building. There are other houses in this commonwealth where older 
 frames than this still stand; but there is no one which retains that dear old 
 aspect of a hundred years ago. It is to the credit of old Salisbury that this 
 meeting-house still exists unchanged and unharmed. It is in itself a preacher 
 of righteousness, and a remembrancer of what was good, and true, and noble, 
 and patriotic in the men who cleared these tields, built these fences, and culti- 
 vated these farms, and in the women who made the home the praiseworthy 
 centre of good influence. In these times of unrest and change, when " men 
 are running to and fro in the earth and knowledge is increased," it is a 
 blessed experience to climb this hill and come within these doors and feet that 
 to the heaving tumultuous ocean of business and speculation, you have said: 
 " Thus far shalt thou come, but no farther; here shall thy proud waves be 
 stayed." 
 
 Singing: Tune, "Portland." " Sweet is the day of sacred rest." 
 Tune, " Invitation." " Come, my beloved, haste away.'" 
 
 The president of the day in introducing the Hon. 11. S. Spofford, spoke a& 
 follows: 
 
 A few years ago a gentleman honored in social and political circles, after 
 looking over tliis belt of territory to found a home, discovered on the borders 
 of this ancient town, and within easy access of this church, a poet's paradise, 
 where nature in all her beauty will never cease to give inspiration to thought. 
 Today, Deer Island greets old Rocky Hill in a double capacity through its- 
 orator and poetess. 
 
 ADDRESS OF HON. R. S. SPOFFORD. 
 
 Ladies and Gentlemen : It is something more than a mere coincidence 
 that the day assigned for the commemorative exercises in which we are now- 
 engaged, should ])(i also an anniversary fraught with historic memories and 
 
THE WEST PARISH CHURCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 27 
 
 liallowed in the civic heart. Whether the result of design or accident, 
 there was an appropriateness in the selection of the 17th of June for this 
 <;entennial occasion, — the more impressive when it is remembered that this 
 ancient edifice has long been distinguished, not only as a temple of relio-ious 
 devotion, but, holding the electoral urns Avithin its inviolate precincts, as 
 a shrine of civil liberty. I shall not soon forget, coming to Rocky Hill 
 meeting-house, there for the first time to cast my ballot as a citizen of 
 Salisbury, how deeply my mind was impressed by these surroundings, and the 
 conscious influences exerted by them, — influences and surroundings to which 
 I am persuaded, giving as they do to every election almost the character of a 
 sacramental act, we owe in no slight measure the healthful conditions of public 
 life which this community enjoys. 
 
 Dating its erection from that eventful period anterior to the adoption of the 
 Constitution of the United States, it may not inaptly be said, comparino- lesser 
 things with great, that as in Grecian fable Thebes, the hundred gated, grew 
 to the numbers of Amphion's lute, so did these venerable and venerated walls 
 rise to their impressive proportions, at least in their builders' projecting minds, 
 to the stormy music of the American Revolution. The earlier edifice, ante- 
 dating the erection of the present one by more than threescore years, — witnessed 
 in the term of its occupancy, not only the opening scenes of the War of 
 Independence, but the more tragic occurrences of the old French and Indian 
 Wars, constituting, in its twofold character of town-house and church throughout 
 all that period, a focal point of the political and religious life of the community. 
 At its humble altar the worshipers of the primitive congregation gathered 
 with courageous devotion, while yet the war-whoop of the savage resounded 
 through the pleasant vales of the Merrimack, the record of his implacable 
 hatred, with all its terrors of blood and flame, being but the familiar experience 
 -of their daily lives. Before its rough-hewn portals, upon that old training-field 
 which was its appropriate site, the recruits and conscripts of the royal 
 governors assembled for organization and drill in preparation for their suc- 
 cessive military expeditions. There, too, the minute-men of the Revolutionary 
 period rallied, under the summons of the Provincial Congress; with the bless- 
 ing of their minister they marched thence in battle array, among the earliest 
 -of the troops responding to the call of the country at the outbreak of 
 liostilities; and it was within those log-built walls that the Declai-ation of 
 American Independence was read. We cannot fail to appreciate, recalling 
 such incidents, that pious sentiment of the fathers which led them to dedicate 
 the timber and mateiial of the old church to the construction of the present 
 -edifice, stipulating with its builders to this effect; so tliat, as we stand today 
 within these reverend walls, the ancient rafters speak to us with audible 
 voices, as the oaken beams of the Argo, cut from the sacred forests of Dodona, 
 uttered their oracles to the Argonauts. 
 
28 I'lIK OXK IIIXDKKDTII AXNIVKWS.VItV OF 
 
 There are few towns of coutcinporary ai^c with Salisl)ury in which the- 
 stirring driiin-beais and swelling anthems of the Revolutionary period expressed 
 a niore profound public feeling, and few which have given more striking proof 
 of patriotism and self-devotion. Giants and heroes were they, those Com- 
 moners of Salisbury to whom the founders of this church belonged, in those 
 times which tried the bodies as well as the souls of men. — they who fought at 
 Crown Point and Ticonderoga; they whose lu-arrs thrilled to the beating of the 
 self-same old drums on the 17th of .rune, 1745, at the fall of Louisburg, and 
 again on the 17th of .Tune, 1775, at IJunker Hill; they who accompanied 
 Benedict Ai'uold, with his lieutenant Aaron Burr, on that ill-fated ex] (edition 
 for the capture of Quebec, — the more ill-fated that Arnold himself was num- 
 bered among the survivors. — and whose wives and kindred watched, perhajis 
 from these very heights, the receding fleet as it dropped down the Merrimack 
 and out to sea, until the last sail sank from view beyond the jutting promontory 
 of JJoar's Head, beyond those sentinel outposts of the coast, the Isles of 
 Shoals, and was lost upon the distant liorizon. 
 
 It was as early as 1770, that the town voted its commendation of the 
 merchants of J5oston and other commercial communities, for the non-inter- 
 course measures into which 1 hey had entered, and prosci'ibed the dutied tea 
 for domestic use, until the repeal of the obnoxious revenue enactments; while 
 in 1774, on rec(>ipt of the news that the harbor of Boston had been blockaded,^ 
 it declared that to ))e a blow at the i-oot of all Americapi liberty and property, 
 and, liy vole of the town, donated with niarked liberality sixty pounds for the 
 relief of the poor of that city, — a liberality sulisequently emulated by the spon- 
 taiit'ous contributions of enlisted men, and by the loan of large sums of money 
 by a number of the women of estate, to support the general cause. I know 
 not whether it be true that the guns of Bunker Hill were to be heard at the 
 Pond Hill settlements so that all knew a battle was being fought; but heard or 
 not, there was scarcely a family — as our local annalist, Mr. Merrill, relates — 
 not represented upon that battle-ground; nor did the report of that battle fail 
 to bring personal sorrow to many a Salisbury fireside. Thus having anticipated, 
 as did other Essex towns, the outbreak of hostilities by her military prepa- 
 ration and discii)line, it needed but the call of the country, again and agaia 
 reiM'ated, to summon sons of Salisbury to the field, and to support them there 
 with such liberal exi)en(Iiture as leaves no doubt of the ardor of her people,, 
 from the begiiming to the close of the war. 
 
 It would have been strange, indeed, occupying such proximity to the old 
 town upon the opposite shore of the Merrimack, — the two communities pulsing 
 then, as now, along their arterial highways with the currents of a common 
 life, — if Salisbury had not felt the contagious enthusiasms of Xewburyport : 
 Newburyport, that fire-brand, that electric flame of Revolutionary passion, of 
 
THE WK8T PAIMSII CHURCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 29' 
 
 whom it may be said, even now, in the retrospection of a hundred years, that 
 in her municipal annals at that crucial epoch, resplendent with illustrious 
 names and with heroic measures and resolves, she appears to move on with the 
 conscious dignity, not of a mere municipality, hut of a great State; — a com- 
 munity tried by every extreme of patriotic devotion, withholding neither men nor 
 means whenever or wherever the country made its requisition; a community 
 with whom the idea of absolute independence of the mother country, then 
 indeed a revolutionary one, first found authoritative utterance, when in a full 
 town-meeting, long prior to the action of the Continental Congress, it was 
 resolved that, " if that honoiable body, for the sake of the Tnltcd Colonies 
 should declare their independence of the kingdom of Great Britain, this town 
 will with their lives and fortunes support them in the measure :" ISTewbury- 
 port, within whose borders the detested tea was first destroyed, not bj^ a 
 disguised mob assembled in the night-time, and by surprise and stealth, as at 
 that famous tea-party of which Boston boasts, but in the broad and open day, 
 Avith mature deliberation, and by municipal act. 
 
 Thinking of Salisbury in these patriotic relations, it has always added a 
 peculiar interest to this immediate locality, and especially to this ancient 
 structure, to recall the fact that it was along this primitive highway, in 1798,. 
 when on his visit to the New England States, the Father of his Country rode, 
 accompanied by many a war-worn veteran, recruited as his voluntary escort 
 from the surviving ranks of those who in the dajs of conflict shared his toils 
 and triumphs. The record of that pilgrimage presents Washington as the 
 recipient of one continuing and spontaneous ovation, when, as he advanced 
 from town to town, from hamlet to hamlet, young and old came out to greet 
 him with an exuberance of afEection never known ])y monarch of the Old 
 World in the plenitude of his imperial power. If the charger upon which he 
 rode was not shod with silver, as the Spanish Conquistador's was shod, or bated,, 
 as the Roman's pampered steed was bated, with golden oats, yet, I know not 
 with what civic observance, calculated to express the homage of a free people,, 
 loving freedom's forms and bred in freedom's ways, he was not compassed 
 about. ]3ut we may be sure that, with the enlightened spirit for which durino- 
 his whole life he was distinguished, and with his deep religious feeling, so 
 spacious a temi)le as this of Rocky Hill, then newly dedicated to the service 
 l)olh of religion and freedom, could not have failed to attract Washington's 
 observation, attesting, as it did, not alone the rooted religious faith of the 
 people but their confidence in the permanency of the newly established order 
 of things. We cannot doubt that approaching it with such reflections, his 
 emotions must have been of the most pleasurable character, — more grateful to 
 his wise and benignant mind even than those which his welcome at Salisbury 
 doubtless awakened, memorable as that was in many of its incidents, and 
 
30 TIIK ONE IIUKDHEDTH ANXIVEKSAUY OF 
 
 especially for that ceremonial poin]) with which, amid martial strains and 
 fluttering flags and saluting salvos, he was conducted across the Merrimack to 
 yonder ferry, the harge that hore him, if not such indeed as that which 
 
 " Like a burnislied throne burned on the waters," 
 
 still sumptuous with its satin adornings, — the proudest thing, O gallant river, 
 that ever rode thy waves ! Following, with his escort, along the river 
 margin, — that unrivalled stretch of village loveliness and peace, — AVashington 
 presently pursued his journey hy way of Eocky Hill, having delayed only to 
 inspect those Salisbury shipyards which had rendered such signal service 
 during the war, and where the Merrimack was constructed, — a gift to the 
 government by the citizens of Newburyport, — and her sister frigate, named 
 in honor of the Alliance between France and the United States, appro- 
 priately employed upon its earliest voyage in bearing Lafayette, a guest of 
 the nation he had helped enfranchise, to his native shores. 
 
 With a tenderer interest, perhaps, than any which attaches to this more 
 than royal progress of the first of our Presidents, we may contrast the journey 
 of another rider, Ebenezcr Webster, along this selfsame highway in those far- 
 gone years, coming hither, unheralded and alone, to take to wife that Abigail 
 Eastman, a townswoman of Salisbury, and a member of the Rocky Hill parish, 
 who, — in his distant mountain home on the New Hampshire frontier, between 
 which and the wilds of Canada there rose the smoke of no white man's dwell- 
 ing, — was to become the mother of his Olympian son. How often, to my 
 mind's e3'e, have I pictured the return of this sturdy couple, riding pillion-wise, 
 after the fashion of those days, and bringing with them the boy, Daniel 
 Webster, yet to be known by the sovereignty of intellect as god-like among 
 men, that his enfeebled youth might feel the health-giving breezes of the 
 ocean, — that ocean which so fitly symbolizes the elemental strength and 
 majesty of his nature. And how often have I pictured him, again and yet 
 again, returning in his meridian manhood, the world then filled with his fame, 
 delighting with another of the laurelled gi'eat of Salisbury, his compatriot and 
 friend, Caleb Cushing, to tread with reverent feet the sacred soil, and, depart- 
 ing, to pluck from its wilding stem some lingering rose which time had spared, 
 to scatter its fragrance among the ruins of his ancestral homestead. 
 
 Other incidents of a kindred character, illustrative of the growth and 
 history of the old town, I should be g'ad to recall to your memory, were this 
 an appropriate occasion and did time permit. I should be glad to recount, 
 for instance, the rugged story of that sturdy man, whom a descendant in the 
 present generation, our late Minister to the Netherlands, has been proud to 
 portray as the New Puritan, for whose example of defiant and devoted 
 courage in the cause of right and liberty, when their needs were great and 
 
THE WEST PARISH CHURCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 31 
 
 their hosts were few, the name of Robert Pike cannot be too liighly honored; 
 or to draw from their dusty and forgotten parchments tlie dramatic passages of 
 Wheelwright's eventful life, — Wheelwright, the exile and protomartyr, a 
 striking and picturesque figure of the earliei- colonial period, and whose burial- 
 place here in Salisbury, as well as that of his contemporary Pike, deserved long 
 since to have received memorial honor. That tragic episode, too, of a still 
 earlier day, it would be instructive to recall, which sent Edwin Gove, our 
 first rebel, one of our Salisbury stock, to the Tower of London, sentenced to 
 be beheaded, drawn, and quartered, for armed resistance to tyranny, pardoned 
 only after lingering incarceration, and returning to our neighboring town of 
 Seabrook, to sow, through a long old age, the seeds of his love of freedom 
 among our people. Gladh', too, how gladly, would I have cuhed some chaplet 
 from along the hedge-rows green or moss-grown walls of Salisbury, sweet with 
 the fragrance of its summer bloom, therewith in loving remembrance to bind 
 our Whittier's gentle brow, already crowned by genius with her immortal 
 aureole. And especially would it have been a i^leasing as well as a useful 
 thing, — not forgetting, either, the charm of her locality, with all its natural 
 beauties of wood and ocean wave, of field, and marsh, and river, — to scan 
 the record of Salisbury's industrial activity ; contrasting with the era of its 
 small beginnings that now presented, — a spectacle in this, as it were, the 
 first quartering of her progress, of distributed happiness, co-operative wealth, 
 and assured comfort, such as, in my partial judgment, no other region of 
 the globe presents. 
 
 But the consideration of all these, with other topics equally attractive, to 
 which the one theme uppermost in our minds today invites, I must postpone 
 by your permission, to some occasion less restricted, — to some occasion, 
 indeed, when there shall have been opportunity for the patient and discrim- 
 inating research which the town's records and traditions will so richly rejDay ; 
 and when before another audience like the present, representing the beauty 
 and intelligence, the wisdom and worth, of Salisbuiy town, some other speaker 
 shall celebrate her fame, if not with a heart more responsive to its inspirations, 
 yet with lips more eloquent than mine. 
 
 AT ROCKY HILL. 
 
 WRITTEN FOR THE OCCASION BY HARRIET PRE?*COTT SPOFFORD, AND READ BY 
 HON. R. S. SPOFFORD. 
 
 To sweet old Salisbury over the sea, with storied Ahnesliury by her side, 
 
 Often the thoughts of Christopher Uatt must have gone in the pleasant eventide. 
 
 Often in fancy he tramped again the level length of Old Sarum plain, 
 
 And scattered the sheep with his sturdy stride, where the Roman camp and its ancient pride 
 
 Were buried and hid by the close-croiipcd grass of a thousand years in the sun ;ind rain. 
 
32 THE OXK HUXJ)HK])TII ANNIVEKSARY Ol'' 
 
 Often his memories wandered , too, -where the moonlight on hoary Stoneheng;e slept, 
 
 And the awful circles of Druid stones their immemorial secret kept 
 
 Or marked the sacred and solemn bound of great King Arthur's Table Round, 
 
 Where unhelmed and unhorsed to council stepped, they from whose spears the fire had leapt, 
 
 Sir Galahad and Sir Lancelot, with the mythic knights of that haunted ground. 
 
 Though to the Abbey of Almesbury, with sweet old Salisbury at her hand, 
 
 For sanctuary Queen Guinevere came when her sin had destroyed the land; 
 
 Yet the story of knight or queen or clod no more recked Christopher where he trod. 
 
 Than that here on his Powow's shining strand should flash a greater Sir Galahad's brand 
 
 When Whittier sought for a holier grail in the broken fetter held up to God! 
 
 Only, our Christopher standing here, with the forest behind him dark as doom. 
 Saw the birds wheel about the spire at home where the world was all in bloom. 
 And into his heart, like a pulse of flame, a passion of homesick longing came. 
 As again he heard the great bell boom its peal through the green and purple gloom,— 
 And, master man of the men of his day, he gave us Salisbury for our name! 
 
 In that old Salisbury over the sea, like a tapering tongue of holy fire, 
 
 Far into the quiet English sky springs the lofty cathedral spire,— 
 
 Fairest of all the early shrines, with recessed shadows and long-drawn lines, 
 
 The mighty minster in nave and choir lifts the thought with it high and higher. 
 
 And like a triumphant and answered prayer in the light of heaven it soars and shines. 
 
 Treasure of princes and treasure of priests went to the carving of stone by stone, 
 Down the long-vaulted aisles resounds, and dies, the organ's golden groan. 
 Into the dimness of noon-tide hours through the painted pane pour jewelled showers, 
 While, like silver trumpets sweetly blown at the gates of morning, the boys intone, 
 And out of the dusky glory there one comes from another world than ours. 
 
 In Salisbury here by the river shore no such temple impels to prayer; 
 Only four plain white walls instead on Kocky Hill rise straight and square. 
 Here only the simple word is read, here only the simple suit is said. 
 No chanting choristers answer fair, no bell tones swim on the fainting air, 
 And briefly the benediction falls over the bowed and reverent head. 
 
 But when on a summer Sunday morn the white communion cloth is laid. 
 
 And the silver vessels softly shine, and the heart by a still content is staid. 
 
 And up through the empty window-pane the blue sky sparkles without a stain, 
 
 Then father and mother and little maid see the Lord's face and are not afraid. 
 
 Then heaven comes down to this simple place, and the soul to go back with it is fain. 
 
 For this the men of Salisbury came over the tossing, tumultuous seas, 
 
 That here the spirit, on wings of its own, might rise, unclogged by languorous ease. 
 
 That here might no dim traditional awe, measured to sweet antiphonal law. 
 
 Soothe the sense till the swooning soul agrees, but worship on things divine might seize, 
 
 Free as the birds that about the spire in the upper light our Christopher saw. 
 
 East let the breeze l)lo\v, or let it blow west, in this long low land under Hocky Hill, 
 
 Where the pine-dark Merrimack rolls its tide and the lucent springs of the Powow till. 
 
 Where the grey waves spread their wide white wings and the vast north breaker mounts and sings, 
 
 Or blow from the south its fragrant will, where ou sun-bathed meadows the salt sprays spill. 
 
 This same free spirit it meets with still, that made Salisbury commoners challenge kings! 
 
THE WEST PARLSH CHUKCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 33 
 
 Shall we forget that here, mayhap, on his own broad acres walked Harry Yane, 
 
 Loved of liberty, whose dear name lent its music to Milton's strain, 
 
 That they who came from the sea today stirred, while they rode, the crumbling clay 
 
 Of old John Wheelwright, who struck amain — as he learned by Cromwell's side — the chain 
 
 That the civil state to the spiritual bound, and to larger franchise first led the way ! 
 
 Shall we forget — not on Salisbury side! when the Quaker women were whipped along 
 The bitter highway from Dover down, their white backs scored by the bleeding thong, 
 That, prophet of Freedom's ineffable name, hot with a wrath of consuming flame, 
 Defying the power that wrought such wrong, rose Robert Pike and his eager throng, 
 And here on our borders he rent their gyves and ended forever the public shame! 
 
 Mother of men of mighty mould, long since loved Freedom our narrow ways; 
 
 Long since, through all of their length, she led her children up to this house of praise, 
 
 Not only for prayer within the gate, but towering white and inviolate. 
 
 Almost a presence to meet the gaze in the autumn hush of election days, 
 
 That here she should shape the state, and here her will become the will of Fate! 
 
 O Spirit of all men's happiness, thou Freedom, leading a race to light! 
 Still let us meet thee as we pass through woody ways or up stormy height, 
 Sometimes, a burst of sunshine, thrill the darksome hollows of Follymill, 
 Pause but to bless the happy sight where the river gardens thy feet invite, 
 And under the low-hung apple-boughs of Ring's Island depths look seaward still! 
 
 And there at our sea-gate the surges call, flying and falling to do thy hest. 
 From Blackrocks to Hampton Rivermouth, a phantom host in each breaking crest, ' 
 With wavering wraiths of ghostly spray in wild enchantment to ward away 
 Luxury's darts with poison dressed, the things of thrones and of kingly quest, 
 And thou, with God's glory on thy face, O Freedom, here with thy people stay! 
 
 The followiag hyma, written for the occasion by Rev. O. A. Roberts, of 
 Salisbury, was sung to the tune of " America": 
 
 HYMN. 
 
 O ! thou eternal King ! 
 As did our sires, we bring 
 
 Tributes of praise. 
 We praise Thee for Thy might, 
 Thy presence and Thy light. 
 All glorious and bright. 
 
 Through all our days. 
 
 Thou didst our fathers lead, 
 And blessed them in their need, 
 
 Thy church to rear 
 Upon this rocky height. 
 Firm set upon the right. 
 Within it dwelt the Light, 
 
 For Tliou wast here. 
 
34 THE ONE IIIXDREDTII ANN! VKHSAKY OF 
 
 The century's j'ears have rolled, 
 Their funeral knells been tolled; 
 
 The fane survives. 
 Wild winds have swept the ground, 
 Wild passions swept around; 
 Still rose the Gospel sound 
 
 From Christian lives. 
 
 God of our risen sires, 
 Hear Thou our deep desires ! 
 
 On Thee we call! 
 We praise Thee, God of Power, 
 Be Thou our mighty Tower, 
 Protect us every hour. 
 
 And save us all. 
 
 CENTENNIAL POEM. 
 
 "WRITTEN BY JOSEPH W. NYE, OF LYNN, AND READ BY REV. O. A. ROBERTS, AT THE CENTENNIAL 
 ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROCKY HILL MEETING-HOUSE, SALISBURY, MASS., JUNE 17, 1885. 
 
 Mr. Roberts prefaced the reading of the i^oem by saying, " I, too, am a 
 Eoman." After the introduction by the president of the various gentlemen 
 who have preceded me, I would feel out of place, as a participator in these 
 services, did I not trace my ancestry to this same Rocky Hill. My paternal 
 grandmother was Phebe^ Heard (b. August 4, 1769), daughter of Thomas and 
 Maryi (Went worth) Heard (she was born September 0, 1738). Mary* Went- 
 worth was an only child of Capt. Williams Wentworth by his second wife. 
 " Capt. William" took not one of the fair daughters of Somersworth, N. H., 
 where he resided, as liis second wife, but he spied his choice on Rocky Hill, 
 and a half century before this structure was built, he married (January 19, 
 1737-8), Abra Evans, of Salisbury, daughter of John2 Evans, who was son 
 of Thomas Evans, the first settler in Salisbury of the name of Evans, and 
 whose remains, indicated by a venerable gravestone, rest in the soil of Rocky 
 Hill. Therefore, Abra Evans of Rocky Hill, was my grandmother's grand- 
 mother. She was born and reared in this locality, a communicant in tliis 
 church, — therefore, I feel that I am not a " foreigner," but belonged to this 
 " household of saints " that celebrates this centennial epoch. 
 
 The countless generations come and go. 
 Borne on by Time's resistless current's flow, 
 In turn the Seasons come at God's command, 
 The circling years unfold the centuries grand! 
 A hundred .Tunes have waved their censers here, 
 Upon the noontide altar of the year; 
 One hundred times the roses bright have blown 
 And on the air their grateful incense thrown, 
 
THK WEST FAIUSH CHURCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 35 
 
 Since on this spot our fatliers broke the sod, 
 And hopeful built this ancient house of God. 
 O faithful months and years, which constant bring 
 Your varied gifts to man on rapid wing, 
 Speed on, speed on, till time no more shall be 
 Recorded in God's vast eternity! 
 
 We hail at length this day so much desired, 
 And hither throng, our hearts with ardor fired. 
 And well attuned to render lofty praise, 
 As here was often heard in former days ! 
 The dear old temple undecayed appears, 
 And nobly wears its crown of Hu^'DBED years, 
 As if old Time with an especial care. 
 Had deigned this sacred edifice to spare! 
 
 We would it ne'er might slowly waste away. 
 
 But rather on some very distant day. 
 
 Vanish at once like Holmes's " one hoss shay!" 
 
 O Innovation, dare not even think 
 
 To make of it a modern skating rink! 
 
 Ye relic hunters from it keep away 
 
 And ne'er upon its form begin to prey. 
 
 On Rocky Hill forever let it stay. 
 
 Amen! Amen! will all the people say! 
 
 Our fathers wisely built this house of God, 
 
 Where rock abounded rather than the sod. 
 
 Thus literally the scripture was obeyed, 
 
 When they in faith the underpinning laid. 
 
 Had they foreseen this festal day of ours. 
 
 This pulpit crowned with gems from Flora's bowers. 
 
 These pews so filled with gladdened souls today, 
 
 A special pleasure would have cheered their way. 
 
 Nor drifting snows nor heat nor cold could stay 
 Their meeting here upon the Sabbath day. 
 Warmed with a zeal to which few now aspire. 
 They needed less the aid of steam and fire, 
 But patient sat regardless of the cold. 
 To hear the preacher gospel truths unfold. 
 Where they sat calmly with a steaming breath, 
 Our modern saints would surely freeze to death! 
 
 At length it dawned on some progressive mind. 
 
 That warmth with worship might be well combined; 
 
 The matter was discussed both pro and con ; 
 
 To have a stove they did decide upon. 
 
 A huge box-stove which in the broad aisle stood, 
 
 And swallowed much of Salisburv's hemlock wood! 
 
36 TUI"' O^'K IirXDKl'.DTII ANMVKKSAUY OF 
 
 Some claimed it was a sacrilegious act,— 
 
 That GoU would frown upon the deed in fact, 
 
 And ne'er would listen to a song or prayer. 
 
 In any other than the natural air! 
 
 That hemlock wood by its persistent snapping. 
 
 No doubt kept some poor weary ones from napping! 
 
 By it indeed the i)arson seemed perplexed, 
 
 And few that day could recollect the text! 
 
 Some aged dames quite subject to cold feet, 
 
 Derived much comfort from a foot-stove's heat, 
 
 And this, perchance, just hinted of the stove, 
 
 Whose generous heat so soon they learned to love 
 
 Of cushioned seats they never thought or knew, 
 
 Their plain board seats are still in every pew, 
 
 With antiquated hinges strongly hung, 
 
 In prayer time they were always backward swung, 
 
 For then the congregation stood in prayer. 
 
 But never sat, as if they did not care! 
 
 (If one nou- stands, how all the others stare!) 
 
 And when at length the preacher said "Amen," 
 
 With undue clatter they were dropped again. 
 
 Which, to a stranger, would as startling be 
 
 As a sharp fusilade of musketry! 
 
 No bell rang out its summons on the air. 
 
 To call them to the house of praise and prayer, 
 
 No i)rompter needed they the hour to call, 
 
 When they should wait upon the Lord of all. 
 
 Around this altar from the world apart, 
 
 Arose to Heaven the incense of the heart! 
 
 'Twas usual then for pi-eachers to dilate 
 
 Till they " thirteenthly," even, came to state. 
 
 Which, greatly now would vex a saint or sinner, 
 
 With stomachs fainting for their Sunday dinner! 
 
 They wearied not in prayers and sermons long. 
 
 For pastoral duties they were ever strong, 
 
 One half the Sabbath grudged they not the Lord, 
 
 But preached two solid sermons from the Word, 
 
 And when to them the need appeared to be, 
 
 Were always ready to preach even thkee! 
 
 No respite or "vacation" was required 
 
 To nerve the souls by God's rich grace inspired, 
 
 They had no ailments which naught else could cure 
 
 But an "extended European Tour." 
 
 That olden worship, simple and sincere, 
 The Lord bowed down most graciously to hear, 
 But now, methinks, in many a modern fane, 
 Trayers to the Lord are often made in vain, 
 
THE WEST PARISH CHUKCH, SALISIU'RY, MASS. 37 
 
 Mere forms and ceremonies take the place 
 Of worship true from hearts bedewed witli grace, 
 Alas, that ancient piety has waned. 
 And worship on the Sabbath so disdained! 
 On Sabbaths now how often do we meet 
 Troops of bicycles spinning through the street, 
 Untimely sounds our ears will sometimes reach, 
 From band and drum corps playing on the beach! 
 Such '• sacred concerts " would our fathers shock, 
 They never thus the great Supreme would mock. 
 The world progresses, we must all allow. 
 Though we are sometimes puzzled to see how! 
 O'er all events God ever holds the i-ein. 
 And He at last will make all mystery plain, 
 And thus his glorious promises fulfill. 
 Till every soul shall love to do His will. 
 
 What precious memories cluster round this spot! 
 
 Of forms and faces ne'er to be forgot ! 
 
 In fancy now I see them ope the door 
 
 And take their seats as in the days of yore; 
 
 They went to meeting then to sing and pray, 
 
 And not the latest fashions to display; 
 
 By fickle fashion's follies never led, 
 
 In all their ways they kept a "level head." 
 
 Then " flip " and " toddy," though in common use, 
 
 Were very seldom coupled with abuse. 
 
 E'en ministers and deacons took their gin. 
 
 And in so doing thought it not a sin. 
 
 Adulteration now in various ways, 
 
 Its foul deception on the public plays, 
 
 And spurious drinks at last have overcome 
 
 The old-time use of Caldwell's famous rum! 
 
 Then when a man would take to him a bride, 
 
 The fond intent thrice publicly was "cried," 
 
 The good town-clerk was scrutinized with care, 
 
 When he arose " intentions " to declare, 
 
 And thus the public knew when lad and lass 
 
 Had joined their hearts and hands in " breaking glass!" 
 
 Sometimes 'twas clearly seen by people's eyes, 
 
 That they were taken wholly by surprise! 
 
 While others looked as if they wished to say— 
 
 " That's what Aunt Mary said the other day !" 
 
 " Intentions" next were "posted" to be read, 
 
 Which was a great improvement, people said ; 
 
 Hut now that custom having passed from sight. 
 
 The maid at morn may be a bride at night! 
 
 If this old church could sjjcak, mcthinks 'twould say: 
 "I welcome you upon this chosen day; 
 
THE ONK HUXDIJHDTH AXXIVEHSAKY 
 
 Although ill Winter lonely in the cold, 
 
 I still rejoice in Summer to unfold 
 
 My long-closed doors to welcome e'en a feiv, 
 
 "Where once the Sabbath well filled every pew, 
 
 I'm open for inspection and review. 
 
 And frankly own I am as good as new! 
 
 I thank my friends who show such love for me ; 
 
 A long and happy life may you all see ! 
 
 Now while the Nation honors Hunker's Hill, 
 
 My humbler height is well remembered still; 
 
 It greeting sends that eminence today, 
 
 In memory of the memorable fray, 
 
 Which gave it such historical renown. 
 
 And brought the pride of England's Lion down!" 
 
 Shades of our sires! perchance ye hither come. 
 Leaving the wliile, your bright immortal home, 
 Retaining many pleasant memories still, 
 Of earthly worship on old Rocky Hill. 
 Though not discerned by our weak mortal sight, 
 Ye may be with us in your robes of white! 
 
 God's aged servant still remains to teach 
 The way of life, the Holy Word to preach, 
 His standard-bearer's work is nearly done, 
 The race before him set is almost run, 
 Yet we indulge the hope that he may still , 
 In coming summers, preach at Rocky Hill. 
 'Tis meet his last discourse should here be given, 
 Ere he shall go to his reward in Heaven, 
 Where stands ajar for him the pearly gate, 
 And angels bright expectant for him wait! 
 And when from earth he shall be called away. 
 They'll welcome him as he has us today! 
 
 Old meeting-house, farewell! where we may be 
 In fancy often we shall visit thee. 
 This day in memory will be ever green, 
 A joy to life unto its closing scene ! 
 And when another century has rolled, 
 May the old doors again with joy unfold. 
 Our children's children meet together here. 
 To hail thy second glad centennial year. 
 
THE WEST PARISH CHURCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 39 
 
 AFTER DINNER EXERCISES. 
 
 After the services in the church came the dinner, under a large spread of 
 canvas. Plates were laid for four hundred persons, and three hundred and 
 fifty were seated. Everything was arranged in fine style, and the menu 
 ample and well prepared. After all had been seated, grace was said by 
 Rev. C. C. Wallace, d.d., of Newburyport. There was a large representation 
 of the clergymen of Salisbury, Amesbury, and the neighboring cities and 
 towns, as well as prominent citizens, and numerous former residents from all 
 sections of the country. 
 
 The president then briefly reviewed the interesting exercises of the day, 
 and said that in the somewhat informal gathering about the " family table " 
 a short conference meeting had been proposed. He should, therefore, take the 
 liberty of calling upon several of the invited guests present. The day and the 
 occasion was a sufficient theme to inspire impromptu thoughts and furnish 
 fitting words for suitable expression. 
 
 The first speaker was Eev. D. P. Pike, of JTewburyport, who claimed 
 blood relationship to those who had taken part in the exercises of the day, 
 referring to the time, fifty-two years ago, when he was a school-master in 
 Salisbury. He claimed direct descent from Robert Pike; complimented the 
 women of Salisbury. The Salisbury stock is Al ; it is good l)lood today, as 
 good as the oi'iginal, and will never die out. The love of nationality on 
 the part of the men is intense; the old town furnished some of the brightest 
 and best of her boys during the war. "When I have my sunset," said the 
 speaker, " I desire that it be on the Point shore, where I engaged in the 
 ministry forty-seven years ago." He paid tribute to the memory of Eev. 
 Benjamin Sawyer, the last settled pastor, and the acting pastor. Rev. Mr. 
 Morton ; complimented the venerable musical conductor, Moses Flanders, 
 and the singing, and closed with the wish that when the second centennial 
 occurs the day will be just as beautiful and the company as agreeable as on 
 the present occasion. 
 
 The next speaker was Maj. Ben: Perley Poore, of West Newbury, who 
 declared that he was not a speech-maker but a recorder of the speeches of 
 others. He wished that on occasions like this he had the oi-atorical ability to 
 express fittingly the feelings bubbling up from his heart. He pleasingly alluded 
 to the poem of the estimable lady of Deer Island, and the address by her 
 husband, who adorns everything he touches. Alluded to the love of kindred 
 displayed on such occasions ; Salisbury in America and Salisbury in England; 
 
40 THI' ONE HUXDRKUTH ANXIVKUSAHY OF 
 
 the old Rock}^ Hill church and the celeln-ated cathedral of Salislnuy in England, 
 were contrasted. He could not refrain from declaring his love for the good 
 old-fashioned men of our Salisbur}^ who put good work into the meeting-house 
 and pews and did not fill the holes with putty and hide them beneath a coat of 
 paint; the good old-fashioned men who loved God and the king until the 
 Declaration of Independence, when they stood up for the American Congress. 
 The boys and girls of that time could write and read better than nine-tenths of 
 the college graduates of our new-fangled institutions of learning. The old 
 church may not be provided with the modern conveniences of religion, but 
 when the beautiful Easter comes, and the trees and flowers bloom, then there is 
 heard again within it the voice of prayer — then the old church becomes again 
 a sanctuary. 
 
 . Rev. D. T.,Fiske, of Newburyport, said : While sitting in the old church 
 touching memories of childhood days had come back, and if led blindfolded 
 within it, " I should have said, this is where my childhood was spent; here I 
 spent my Sabbath; here I first worshiped God in public assembly." He 
 hoped it would be preserved for another century. 
 
 Remarks folloAved by Rev. H. E. Mott, and Rev. Mr. Peterson, of New- 
 buryport; Rev. J. F. Spaulding, of East Salisbury; Hon. Geo. W, Morrill, 
 of Amesbury; Robert Rich, Esq., whose father. Rev. Thomas Rich, preached 
 at Rocky Hill; Charles W. Morrill, of Lawton, Michigan; Cyrus Currier,, 
 of Newark, X. J.; Rev. O. A. Roberts, of Salisbury; James D. Pike, of 
 Merrimac. Wm. D. Lowell responded in the following, entitled " Old Drift,'* 
 which was read by the president of the day: 
 
 178?. "UP TO ROCKY HILL." 1885. 
 
 " Like a man, which built a Iiouse, and digge<l deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and 
 ■when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it; for 
 it was founded upon a rock." 
 
 As J gaze upon this ancient and prominent land-niark of one of the many- 
 beautiful hills of the Merrimac Yalley, on this lovely .June day, and out also on 
 the rich picture of nature before me, and view A\'ith an inherent devotional 
 home-love, 
 
 "The pleasant bend of the Salisbury shore, 
 Tlie tossing sumach, the clipping oar, 
 And the hues of the hills that Newbury wore," 
 
 I am reminded of God's first temples, and can here worship with true devotion 
 the good cause of nature in the lesson presented. But the old meeting-house 
 is before me, and as its familiar outline, still resting as firm and fair on its 
 solid foundation as it did when the faithful builders one hundred vears ago 
 
THE WEST PAKISH CHURCH, SALISBURY, MASS. 41 
 
 delivered it to tlie Old Salisbury building committee, it presents to us the great 
 truth of the efficacy of a good foundation, and illustrates fully the wisdom of 
 the divine comparison as applicable to the Christian viilue of obedience. 
 
 My recollection will take fifty or more years from the venerable temple. 
 Let me look again with child-like reverence on that goodly company of de- 
 voted Puritans that then so dearly loved the old church and its pastors. From 
 the many divergent pathways of the forest they gathered together every 
 Sabbath in happy meeting and greeting, to receive from the droppings of this 
 sanctuary heavenly food to refresh and make the heart glad. 
 
 In my retrospective journey of years there will come before me but a very 
 few of those first aged members of this once large congregation of worshipers. 
 The great Reaper had left but few worthy samples unharvested on the old 
 fields to speak to us then of that full and thrifty field of " ye olden time " that 
 once, like the full ripe field of grain that bows in beauty to the summer breeze, 
 here bowed in devotion to the Great Power above. Our worthy great-grand- 
 fathers and mothers — the memory of but very few of the present can reach 
 back to them or their time. They occupied the old ground their allotted 
 season, made their record, and passed on to give place to the increasing crowd 
 that follow, who give little thought of the old tenants before them. 
 
 ' Young footsteps come and old footsteps go, 
 You may be dust in your turn ; but still 
 From the river Parker to the Artichoke, 
 From the blossoming Lauiel to Indian Hill, 
 As a harp when touched by the wind's sweet will. 
 Your names shall the people's memory thrill." 
 
 The careless descendants as they tread the last resting places in the grave- 
 yard near by, read Casually from the moss-covered stones erected to the 
 " sacred memory '' of once dearly-loved kindred with no feeling of sadness, no 
 sorrow, no tears. Such is life: we too are drifting on the same current to the 
 same destination. Some few words and deeds of mankind live on and on, like 
 the wave ripples of sound through space, and may never die or be lost. Time 
 may he no limit for them ; their mysterious destiny is beyond. 
 
 The scripture quotation noticed, suggests an important question. Who 
 Avere the skillful builders of one hundred years ago, and of this ancient meeting- 
 house y Until recently this question has been unanswered. Fortunately, in 
 the search for old documents of interest to this occasion two yellow time- 
 stained bits of paper were found by Wm. E. Morrill, establishing the fact that 
 
 two famous workmen of Newburyport, Timothy Palmer and Spofford, 
 
 were the builders of this church. The few relics of their skill and handiwork 
 that still remain with us, are evidence of mind over matter. It is due to their 
 
42 THK ONK HINJUJEDTH ANXIVKHSAKY OF 
 
 precious memory that we should revere the good mechauic whose work has 
 stood the test of one hundred years. 
 
 " By their works ye shall know them." 
 
 Timothy Palmer, inventor, architect, bridge and church builder, and 
 mechanic : of his woi'k may be named the Deer Island Bridge, which, after 
 nearly a century's time and use was pronounced by modern builders a structure 
 wonderful for its perfect principles of strength. Another monument of his skill 
 is the church building of the Unitarian society of Newburyport, the spire of 
 which is said to be even today the most perfect in architectural design of any 
 church steeple in N'ew England. He built many church edifices and also 
 many bridges. He improved the highways, and perhaps the streets of New- 
 buryport owe to his skill much of their beauty. 
 
 Of the partner, Mr. Spoflford, let me say, that he was of a family of noble 
 words and deeds: whether professors or mechanics, their work was ever well 
 done. A church builder of Jerusalem was once highly honored for building a 
 wonderful temple ; his proverbial wisdom and fame has reached down through 
 the ages. Let us today not forget the wise and faithful workmen of this 
 ancient temple — Palmer and Spofford. 
 
 Dear old temple of the fathers and mothers of old Salisbury — born with 
 the nation; may it remain upon its firm foundation another century. 
 
 The following came in as a part of the exercises: 
 
 LINES TO ROCKY HILL MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
 A century old thou stand'st today triumphant; 
 
 Its fiercest storms have o'er thee harmless passed, 
 Harmless around thy sturdy frames' enclosure 
 
 Its thunder-bolts have crashed. 
 
 A century ago at thy completion 
 
 Thy builders must have viewed thee o'er with pride, 
 And said, our work shall long remain substantial 
 
 When we have " crossed the tide." 
 
 They truly said, thy sturdy faithful builders,— 
 Around thee have a century's storms held sway; 
 
 Still thou art firm ; and yet, God willing. 
 Shall stand for many a day. 
 
 'Twas here our fathers praised the Great Jehovah; 
 
 The God they trusted through the battle's deadly maze ; 
 'Twas Him M'ho raised the hand of the oppressor. 
 
 To Him they gave the praise. 
 
 Then from thy door no organ-tones came pealing, 
 Simple their worship as the ancient dress they wore, 
 
 When through thy many panes the sun touched lightly 
 The powdered wigs of yore. 
 
THE WEST PARISH CHUECH, SALISBURY, MASS. 43 
 
 Long have they slept — a century's mighty changes 
 
 Has swept their varied scenes before thy view ; 
 And 'neatli thy roof we come today to mingle 
 
 The old time with the new 
 
 O conld'st thou tell thy history strange and varied, 
 
 The child who through thy door did toddling go, 
 Who passed for aye thy sun-rent Southern threshhold 
 
 With feeble step and slow; 
 
 How from the distant blue of the Atlantic, 
 
 Over the meadows, over western hill and stream, 
 Thou hast seen where rolled the stage-coach slowly — 
 
 The swift-winged coach of steam. 
 
 But silently thou stand'st — secure thy secrets — 
 
 No praise of thy builders' true are told, 
 Today we honor them, their work demands it— 
 
 Thy architects of old. 
 
 From them we well may learn a lesson : 
 
 Whate'er the task, to do our labor well, 
 That it like their's may stand in future ages. 
 
 The bviilders' fame to tell. 
 
 A telegram was read from E. M. Boynton, regretting inability to be 
 present, but extending congratulations to the centennial gathering on so 
 fitting a day. 
 
 The exercises closed by a re-gathering in the meeting-house and a service 
 of song, lead by the chorus choir. Several of the old-fashioned tunes were 
 sang, ending with " Auld Lang Syne." 
 
 A vote of thanks was given the singers for the excellent services rendered 
 throughout the day. A vote of thanks was given to Eev. S. J. Spaulding, D.D., 
 of Newburyport, for his valuable historical address. Also, to Hon. E. S. Spof- 
 ford, of Salisbury, for his eloquent speech in introduction to the reading of the 
 beautiful poem by Harriet Prescott Spofford, and to Rev. O. A. Roberts and 
 J. W. Nye for their valuable poems. 
 
MEMBERS OF THE CHORUS. 
 
 Conductor. — Moses Flanders. 
 
 Organist. — Will L. Brown. 
 
 Tenors. — A. T. Brown, W. H. Day, David True, Hiram Jewell, Daniel 
 Webster, Frank Flanders. 
 
 Sopranos. — Mrs. Emma J. Williams, Mrs. Mary W. Currier, Mrs. Sarah 
 Bolfe, Mrs. Frank I. Snell, Mrs. J. G. White, Mrs. Martha Goodwin, Mrs. 
 Allen McKensie, Mrs. Dr. Young, Miss Lizzie Hallier. 
 
 Contraltos. — Mrs. Frank Brown, Mrs. E. A. Goodwin, Mrs. James 
 Williams, Mrs. Emma O. Perkins, Mrs Annie Martin, Miss M. A. B. Titcomb, 
 Miss Carrie Williams, Miss Myi-a Kelley. 
 
 Bassos.— P. Albert True, Joseph Oak, A. E. Tuttle, Frank Massure, Frank 
 I. SneU, H. P. Wells, John Evans, David Davol. 
 
 Orchestra. — John Evans, violone ; Joseph Evans, violone ; F. B. French, 
 violoncello; F. P. Currier, trombone; Frank Battles, clarionet; Miss George, 
 violin; John C. Carr, violin; Nathaniel J. Kee^i, violin; Alfred C. Webster, 
 flute; A. E. Walker, cornet; Mrs. A. E. Walker, cornet. 
 
NOTE. 
 
 By vote of the Committee of Arrangements for the observance of the 
 'One Hundredth Anniversary of the West Parish Church in Salisbury, the pre- 
 paration of this publication was placed in the hands of a committee of three, 
 -cousisting of W. H. B. Currier, Eobert Drummond, and Wm. E. Morrill. 
 The delay in its publication has been mainly due to the difficulty of securing 
 and correcting matters of historical data, in order that the work might be 
 -correct as a reference-book of the First Church established in this parish.