Notes

ON THE PRECEDING TABLES.

LITTLE COMPTON.

This town was settled soon after the conclusion of King Philip's war, in 1676, by emigrants from the Island from which the State takes its name, and from Plymouth Colony. Its Indian name was Seaconnet. It was originally owned by thirty-two proprietors, who early manifested their love to the Gospel by setting apart one thirty-third part of the township for its maintenance. It originally belonged to Massachusetts but was set off to Rhode Island in 1746.

The Congregational Church in this town was gathered Nov. 30, 1704, and Rev. Richard Billings ordained its first pastor. Mr. Billings was a native of England, and a graduate at Harvard College. His ministry in this place continued 43 years, 11 months and 20 days. The number of persons received into the church during this period was 197. The ordinance of baptism was administered to 586 children during the same period. In 1742-3, under the labors of this worthy man, a refreshing from the Lord was enjoyed among the people, and 38 persons were received to the communion as its fruits. He died Nov. 20, 1748, aged 74 years.

Rev. Jonathan Ellis was ordained pastor of this church in 1749. Mr. E., as near as can be ascertained, was a native of Sandwich, Ms. He graduated at Harvard College. His ministry continued 36 years, during which period there were added to the church 29 members. He deceased Sept. 7, 1785, aged 68.

Rev. Mase Shepard was ordained pastor of the church Sept. 19, 1787. He was the youngest of thirteen children, and was born in Norton, Ms. The period of his life previous to coming of age was spent in manual labor chiefly on the farm. He pursued his collegiate course at Dartinouth and studied divinity with Rev. Mr. Judson of Taunton. He was a man of commanding presence, powerful voice, and distinguished for the interest which he won in the affections of all classes of the community in social conversation. In an unusual degree he enjoyed the respect, confidence, and affection of his people during the whole of his ministry. He was not a close student but excelled in pastoral visits, and in his appeals from the pulpit, which were uniformly without notes and warm from the heart. His ministry was blessed with repeated refreshings from on high. One of these precious seasons occurred in 1806, when 98 were admitted to the church. Another in 1813, when 21 were gathered into the fold of the Redeemer. During the whole minis. try of Mr. Shepard, which lasted upwards of 33 years, 293 members were added to the church and 315 children baptized. In the midst of his strength and usefulness he was suddenly cut down by an inflammatory fever Feb. 14, 1821, aged 63. His death was greatly lamented by his people and a large circle of acquaintance abroad.

After an interval of nearly two years, Rev Emerson Paine was installed over this church and society. Mr. P. was a native of Foxboro', Ms.—a graduate of Brown University, and had previously been pastor of the first church in Middleborough, Ms. His ministry continued in this place nearly 12 years and a half, during which 78 were added to the church. In 1831, a year long to be remembered by the American churches as a year of the right hand of the Most High, a revival occurred under the labors of Mr. P., during which 63 were received to the communion of the church. Since Mr. P.'s dismission in 1835, he has officiated as the minister of the Congregational church in Halifax, Ms.

Rev. Samuel W. Colburn commenced his labors in this place by invitation of the church and society, July, 1835, and continued their stated supply until June, 1838. Mr. C. was a native of Boscawen, New Hampshire, and a graduate of Dartmouth-was first settled in West Taunton, Ms. then in Abington, and afterwards the stated supply of the church in West Attleboro'.

BRISTOL.

In 1680, the Governor and Company of New Plymouth granted and sold to Messrs. John Walley, Nathaniel Oliver, Nathaniel Byfield, and Stephen Burton, that part of the lands taken from King Philip by conquest, called Mount Hope Neck, and since called Bristol. These gentlemen, with their associates, being of the Congregational denomina.

tion, and eminent for their piety and devotedness to the cause of Christ, immediately established the worship of God in this infant colony.-In 1680, the same year of their commencing the settlement, they obtained the services of Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge, who, as a stated supply, labored with them for about four years. In 1684 a large and commodious house of worship was erected which served the people just one century, when it waxed old and was taken down, and the present one built in its stead. The Catholic Congregational (the first) church was organized May 8, 1687, by the assistance of Rev. Samuel Lee, an eminently pious and learned dissenting minister from England, and fellow of the University of Oxford, who was on the same day chosen and afterward installed their pastor.* Mr. Lee labored here until about the year 1694, when, tranquillity being in some measure restored to the Congregational churches in his native country, he embarked with his family to return; but on his passage being taken by the enemy, he was carried into France, where he died. Says an ancient record, "He was highly venerated by the church in Bristol, and his praise was among all the pastors and churches of both Englands." Mr. Lee was succeeded by Rev. John Sparhawk, who was a graduate of Harvard College, and continued his connection with his people until his death, which occurred April 29, 1718, in the 46th year of his age and 23d of his ministry. Rev. Nathaniel Cotton succeeded Mr. S. in 1721, and died in the ministry in 1729, aged 31, having served the church in the pastoral office eight years. Mr. C. was son of Rev. Roland Cotton of Sandwich, Ms., brother of Rev. Messrs. John Cotton of Newton, Ms., Josiah Cotton of Providence, Woburn, Ms., and Sandown, N. H., and Ward Cotton of Hampton, N. H.; and a descendant of the third generation from Rev. John Cotton of Boston.

Rev. Barnabas Taylor was ordained Dec. 24, 1729, and continued pastor of the church until June 3, 1740, when he was dismissed.

In the year following, 1741, Rev. John Burt was ordained here and continued in the ministry until his death which occurred Oct. 7, 1775, aged 59, having labored with his people 34 years.—Mr. B. was a native of Boston, and a graduate of Harvard College. His ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Webb of Boston. The circumstances of his death were affecting and worthy of being noticed here. On the day of his death a fleet of British men-of-war, commanded by Capt. James Wallace, anchored in the harbor and opened a severe and heavy cannonading upon the village. It was a time of distressing epidemical sickness, and two persons were then lying dead. Most of the inhabitants fled for their lives, while many were confined to their dwellings either by sickness or necessary attention to the sick. The venerable pastor, being sick and weak, partook of the general consternation and sought for safety by flight. But on the next morning he was found lying on his face dead in a neighboring field. He was supposed to have fallen in a fit. Through the kind interposition of Providence no other person was injured by this wanton attack of the enemy.

Such was the exposed condition of this place both by sea and by land that from this time until the declaration of peace in 1783, many of the inhabitants fled for safety into the interior, and the stated worship of God in the sanctuary was broken up. On the 25th of May, 1778, the enemy set fire to the town and laid a considerable part of it, together with the sanctuary of the Episcopal church, in ashes.t In 1793 the society took measures to establish a permanent fund, "the annual interest of which is to be appropriated for the support of an orthodox Congregational minister." And in 1784 the present sanctuary was erected--and an act of incorporation obtained from the General Assembly, under the name of "The Catholic Congregational Society." Soon after the society was organized as a corporate body, they gave a united call to Rev. Henry Wight, who was ordained over them Jan. 5, 1785. Mr. W. was a native of Medfield, Ms.— graduated at Harvard College, and studied theology with Rev. Dr. Prentice of his native town, who preached his ordination sermon, which was published. Mr. W. was for many years one of the fellows of Brown University, and in 1811 he received from that college the honorary degree of Doctor in Divinity. He continued sole pastor of the church until 1815, when he was furnished with a colleague. Nov. 11, 1828, at his own request, his connection with the church, having continued nearly 44 years, was dissolved. Dr. W. continued to reside in the place and occasionally officiated in the services of the sanctuary, until his decease in 1837, aged 84; more than 52 of which were spent in the work of the ministry. The labors of Dr. Wight were blessed in this town. He was a man of amiable disposition, and devoted piety. He retained the affections and the confidence of the people until his death, and his grave was bedewed with the tears of many who were brought into the kingdom of the Redeemer under his ministrations.

*This was the only church and religious society in town till 1721, a period of 41 years from its settlement. It was the second Congregational church formed within the State.

In 1746, Bristol, with several other towns on the east shore of the Narragansett, were, by the settling of the provincial line, taken off from the Province of Massachusetts Bay and annexed to the Colony of Rhode Island. In the same year it received an act of incorporation.

Rev. Joel Mann was ordained colleague with Dr. Wight Nov. 15, 1815, and continued his labors until Sept. 14, 1826, when, having been called to the church in Suffield, Ct., he was dismissed and settled there. Subsequently he was settled in Greenwich, Ct and also in the city of New York. Mr. Mann is a native of Orford, N. H. and a graduate of Dartmouth College.

Mr. L.

Rev. Isaac Lewis was installed Nov. 12, 1828, and dismissed Sept. 28, 1831. was a son of the venerable Dr. Lewis of Greenwich, Ct., with whom he was settled as his colleague previously to his coming to Bristol. His installation sermon was preached by Rev. Thomas M. Smith of Fall River.

Rev. John Starkweather was installed Dec. 14, 1831, and was dismissed Dec. 29, 1834. Mr. S. was graduated at Yale, received his theological education at the Theological Seminary, Andover, was previously settled over a church in Billerica, Ms. After leaving Bristol, he labored as a stated supply in Buffalo and Binghampton, N. Y. He is now officiating as stated supply of a church in Hamden, Ct. His installation sermon was preached by Rev. T. T. Waterman of Providence.

Rev. Thomas Shepard was installed April 30, 1835. Mr. S. was graduated at Brown University, received his theological education at Andover Seminary-was pastor of the Congregational church in Ashfield, Ms. 14 years, from which he was dismissed at his own request for the purpose of accepting an agency for New England in behalf of the American Bible Society. Mr. Shepard's installation sermon was preached by Rev. Sylvester Holmes of New Bedford.

NEWPORT.

The Indian name of Rhode Island, on which Newport is situated, was Aquetneck. On the 7th of March, 1637-8, eighteen emigrants from the Massachusetts Colony, "for peace sake and to enjoy the freedom of their consciences," incorporated themselves into a body politic, and chose Mr. William Coddington their leader, to be judge or chief magistrate, with the view of making a settlement on Rhode Island. On the 24th of March, of the same year, the Indian sachems signed the deed or grant of the Island to the aforesaid company. In 1644 the Indian name was exchanged for that of the Isle of Rhodes or Rhode Island (Callender's Historical Discourse.)

Rev. John Clarke, one of the leaders in the above mentioned colony, a Congregationalist and Pedo-Baptist when he came to the Island, is supposed to have gathered the first church in Newport in 1640. Whether a church was actually organized by him is doubted by some. But that the ordinances were administered by him according to Congregational usages for several years, is generally admitted. After about four years Mr. Clarke and many of his church became Baptists.* Several of the original members retained their partiality for Congregationalism, though, owing to some matters of variance between them and the churches in Boston, they did not obtain a minister of their own order until about 1690-when Congregationalism was revived out of the ruins in which it had lain for nearly half a century.

In January, 1696, Rev. Nathaniel Clapp of Dorchester, Ms. Bay, commenced his labors in Newport. It was not however until 1720 that a church was duly organized, and Mr. C. ordained and installed its pastor.-The church at the time of organization consisted of 14 male members-and for the space of about three years, it received valuable additions, when the pastor ceased to administer the Lord's Supper on the ground that its members were "not of sufficient holy conversation" for the reception of such an ordinance. This gave offence, and the church employed the services of other ministers, much to the dissatisfaction of Mr. Clapp. A proposition for a colleague was made and rejected-until at length nearly half the church and congregation withdrew and held separate worship. On the 11th of April, 1728, an ex-parte council was convoked, which proceeded, after having in vain attempted an amicable settlement of difficulties with Mr. Clapp, to organize a new church and to ordain Rev. John Adams their pastor. Thus with 21 members commenced the Second Congregational church in Newport.-Mr. Clapp notwithstanding these erroneously rigid views of duty, in which he was no doubt conscientions, is spoken of by his cotemporaries as an eminently holy man. Whitefield gives him a high character for piety. He speaks of him as "the most venerable man he ever beheld." t His pastoral relation to the First Church continued until Oct. 30, 1745, when

Mr. Clarke was originally a physician of London. He was a learned man, and the author of several works In 1651 he was sent to England with Roger Williams to promote the interest of the Colony, and in 1663 procured the charter of Rhode Island. He became the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Newport-was elected three years successively Deputy Governor of the Colony-and proved himself a faithful minister and an able magistrate. He was the original projector of the settlement on the Island.— (Coll R. I. H. S. p. 211.)

"He looked," says Mr. Whitefield, "like a good old Puritan, and gave me an idea of what stamp those men were who first settled New England. His countenance was very heavenly, and he prayed most fervently for a blessing on my coming to Rhode Island. I could not think but that I was sitting by one of the patriarchs.'

it was dissolved by death. Mr. C. died at the advanced age of 78, having been nearly fifty years in the ministry in Newport.

Rev. Joseph Gardner was ordained colleague with Rev. Mr. Clapp May 15, 1740, and was dismissed June 10, 1743.

Rev. Jonathan Helyer was ordained colleague with Mr. Clapp June 20, 1744, and died May 27 of the following year. He was a very ingenious and excellent man.

Rev. William Vinal was ordained pastor of the First Church Oct. 29, 1746, and was dismissed Sept. 21, 1768.

Dr.

Rev. Samuel Hopkins was installed pastor of the First Church April 11, 1769. Hopkins had previously been settled in the ministry in Great Barrington, Ms. After his removal to Newport the church over which he presided strengthened in numbers and graces, until the difficulties between Great Britain and her American Colonies commenced. Newport, being an important seaport town, and one of the most exposed to the depredations of the enemy, and being wholly unprotected by forts or fleets, became an early and a heavy sufferer in that severe and protracted conflict. Many of the inhabitants sought safety by retirement into the interior. Both the clergymen of the Congregational churches removed with their families. Their sanctuaries were used by the British as barracks for the soldiers. The bell of the First Church was carried to England. A chimney was built in the middle of the Second Church, and the pews and fixtures below and in the galleries of both demolished.

In the spring of 1780, Dr. Hopkins returned and gathered up the remains of his shattered and disheartened people. Many had died, many had sought other homes, so that his congregation were greatly diminished by the ravages of war. Still worship was reëstablished and the ordinances revived. Dr. Hopkins deceased Dec. 20, 1803, aged 82 years. His memory is precious to the churches in New England. His works will be read with interest in the millennium.

Rev. Caleb J. Tenney was installed pastor of the First Church Sept. 12, 1804, and was dismissed May 29, 1815. He was a graduate of Dartmouth. Dr. Tenney now sustains the relation of pastor to the church in Wethersfield, Ct., but has ceased his active labors in consequence of protracted disease, and has a colleague.

Rev. Calvin Hitchcock was ordained over the First Church Aug. 23, 1815, and dismissed Aug. 23, 1820. He was graduated at Middlebury, and studied theology at Andover. He is now laboring successfully as pastor of the First Church in Randolph, Ms.

Rev. Samuel Austin, D. D. was installed pastor of this church July 25, 1821, and was dismissed 1826. Dr. Austin was a native of New Haven, graduate of Yale; was previously the pastor of the First Church in Worcester, Ms. for a number of yearsthen president of the University of Vermont. After leaving Newport his health declined, and he died in Glastenbury, Ct. in the family of his nephew, Rev. S. H. Riddel, Dec. 4, 1830, aged 70.-(Am. Quart. Reg. vol. ix. p. 217.)

Rev. William H. Beecher succeeded Dr. Austin, March 24, 1830, and was dismissed June 23, 1833. Mr. B. is a son of Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D. of Cincinnati, who preached his ordination sermon. Since his dismission he has removed to the West.

We return now to a history of the Second Church. At the time of its formation in 1728, Rev. John Adams was constituted its pastor. He was dismissed Feb. 25, 1729–30. Mr. A. was a graduate of Harvard.

Rev. James Searing succeeded Mr. Adams, and was ordained April 21, 1731, and died Jan. 6, 1755, in the possession of his charge, aged 50 years.

Rev. Ezra Stiles, D D. was ordained pastor of the Second Church Oct. 22, 1755, and continued his labors until his congregation was broken up by the war of the Revolution, when he with the other clergymen were driven into the country for safety, and their flocks scattered. Before the close of the war Dr. Stiles was called to the presidency of Yale College in 1777. Dr. S. was son of the Rev. Isaac Stiles of North Haven, Ct., and was born Dec. 12, 1727. He was graduated at Yale College in 1746, with the reputation of being one of the most distinguished scholars of his day. In 1749 he was chosen one of its tutors, and continued in that station six years. From the time of his inauguration as president until his death, in 1795, he presided over that institution with distinguished ability and success. He was one of the most learned men that our country has ever produced. He was distinguished in his knowledge of ancient and modern languages and of history. He maintained an extensive correspondence at home and in foreign lands. As a preacher he was eloquent and impressive. His piety was deep and ardent. In the maintenance of civil and religious liberty he was enthusiastic.—(R. I. Hist. Coll vol. iv. p. 186.)

At the close of the war, as the scattered remnant of the Second Congregational Church returned to Newport, they found themselves destitute of a pastor, and in this state they continued until May 24, 1786, on which day Rev. William Patten was ordained their pastor. Dr. Patten was dismissed from his charge April 18, 1833, after having continued pastor of this church 47 years. He was born at Halifax, Ms., graduated at

Dartmouth College. After his dismission he removed to Hartford, Ct., to spend the evening of his days in the retirement of his friends. He died March 9, 1839, aged 76. Both churches being now destitute of pastors, a project was proposed for reuniting them in one, which happily succeeded. On the 4th of June, 1833, an ecclesiastical council convened by letters missive from both churches, proceeded to the orderly consummation of the proposed union. A confession of faith, previously prepared, was publicly assented to unanimously by both churches, and they were pronounced to be one church, and thus they have continued in harmony and peace to the present time. Rev. A. Henry Dumont was installed pastor of the united church Sept. 26, 1833. Mr. Dumont was born in the city of New York, and studied theology at the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick, N. J., and had previously been pastor of a church in Greenbush, N. Y. The societies being now united in one, after mature deliberation, deemed it expedient to erect a new house of worship; which was accordingly done. This house, pleasantly located and finished in a neat and beautiful style, was dedicated to the worship of the Triune God, June 4, 1834.—(Origin and History of the Congregational Church in Newport, by Rev. A. H. Dumont.)

TIVERTON.

Tiverton was originally included within the limits of Massachusetts Bay; but in 1746 it was set off to Rhode Island, and the same year incorporated into a town.

The Congregational Church in this place was organized Aug. 20, 1746. Its first minister was Rev. Othniel Campbell, who was installed Oct. 1, 1746, and died Oct. 15, 1778, aged 82. The letter in answer to his call is dated at Plympton, Ms. He was a graduate of Harvard.

Rev. John Briggs was ordained Dec. 7, 1791, and dismissed Oct. 21, 1801. Mr. B. was a graduate of Brown University, and was afterwards pastor of the church in Plympton. Being dismissed thence, he retired upon a farin in the State of Vermont, where he died. He was a native of Norton, Ms.

Rev. Benjamin Whitmore was ordained in the summer of 1815, and dismissed in 1816. He has since been installed over a church in Plymouth, Ms. Mr. W. was a native of Rochester, Ms, a graduate of Brown University.

Rev. Ebenezer Coleman was ordained Oct. 14, 1818, and dismissed at his own request Nov. 26, 1823. Mr. C. was a graduate of Brown University, and has since been the pastor of a church in Swansey, and also of a church in Lempster, N. H.

Rev. Luther Wright commenced his labors as a stated supply May, 1825, and closed them May 4, 1828. Mr. W. was born in Acton, Ms., graduated at Harvard College, was first settled in East Medway, Ms., was subsequently installed in Barrington, R. I., and now resides with his family in Woburn, Ms.

Rev. Jonathan King commenced his labors as stated supply Oct. 24, 1828, and closed them at his own request in 1835. Mr. King was a native of Rochester, Ms.-did not receive a collegiate education-was previously pastor of a church in South Dartmouth, Ms.

Rev. Isaac Jones commenced his ministerial labors here Feb. 18, 1838, and on the 9th of May following was invited by the church to discharge all the duties of a pastor over theni. Mr. J. was born in Hopkinton, Ms.-graduated at Williams Collegestudied theology with Rev. Dr. Austin of Worcester-was ordained pastor of the church and society in Candia, N. H., and dismissed at his own request on account of ill health. He was subsequently employed as stated supply of the churches in Plaistow, N. H., Billerica and South Wellfleet, Ms., and has labored as a missionary in all the New England States except Connecticut.-(Church Records, by Rev. I. Jones.)

PROVIDENCE.

Rev. Roger Williams, when he came to Providence in 1636, was a Congregationalist and a Pedobaptist. It is not quite certain that a church was formally organized by him of the Congregational order, though this is probable. No doubt the ordinances of the gospel were administered by him as they had been administered by him to his former charge in Salem, Ms. until some time in 1639, when he with his brethren, changed their views and were re-baptized by immersion. "Mr. Ezekiel Holliman, a layman, first submerging Mr. Williams, and then Mr. Williams, as Pastor, submerging Mr. Holliman and the rest."

The first efforts made to establish religious worship in this place, according to the principles of Congregationalism subsequently to the change of Roger Williams, were during the year 1720. A Dr. Hoyle was sent out to solicit aid from the neighboring provinces that they might procure the means to erect an house of worship. Such aid was obtained chiefly from the churches in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and the first house for Congregational worship was erected on the West side of the river, not far from