[1]   Boston, July 12, 1786. At a Meeting of the Church and Congregation, Joseph Webb, Moderator.

Voted that this meeting be Adjourned untill Monday Next at 11 oClock A.M.

Joseph Webb, Moderator.

Boston, July 17, 1786. At a Meeting of the Church etc. by Adjournment.

Voted that the Standing Committee be five for the Ensuing Year:

Joseph Webb chosen Treasurer.

Voted that a Committee of three be Appointed to Audit the Treasurer’s Accounts:

• John Brown Esq
• Joseph Barrell Esq
• Mr William Smith

Voted that the Reverend Mr John Clark be allowed and paid the sum of Four pounds four shillings per week the Ensuing Year.

Voted that the Reverend Dr Chauncy be allowed and paid eighteen shillings per week.

Voted that the Reverend Mr Clark and the Reverend Dr Chauncy be allowed Twenty Cords of wood Each.

Voted that Matthew James be allowed fifteen pounds per annum as Sexton, and his Pew free from Tax.

Voted that Mr John Greenleaf469 be allowed and paid the sum of Thirty pounds to this day for past service as Organist.

Reconsidered.470 Voted that he be allowed in future Fifty two Dollars per annum from 12 July.

[2]   Voted that if Mr Frazier relinquishes the Obligation from Mr Barrell respecting the £20. for the organ, this Society will purchase it.

Voted That the Standing Committee assess the respective pews on the lower floor for that purpose,—Viz. for One hundred pounds if he should so relinquish it.

Voted That the Standing Committee proceed as soon as may be to Compleat the repairs and that after it is compleated to lay the Accounts before the Society; and assess the pews.

Voted That Mr William Billings be paid Nine pounds in full.

Voted to Adjourn this Meeting to this day four weeks at 11 oClock A.M.

Joseph Webb, Moderator.

Boston, August 14, 1786. At a Meeting of the Church and Congregation agreeable to Adjournment.

The Committee who waited on Mr Frasier reported that he would relinquish the Obligation by delivering it up to Serve this Church.

Voted that the thanks of this Society be given to Mr Frasier for relinquishment accordingly.

Voted that the Allowance of fifty two Dollars per Annum to Mr John Greenleaf be reconsidered and that he be allowed Thirty pounds per annum.

Voted that the Cellar Doors in front be made upright.

Voted that instead of the Cornish and Modillions being fixt round the Meeting house, it be only in the front and End.

Voted that Joseph Barrell Esq and Mr James Morrell be Added to the Standing Committee.

[3]

Voted to Adjourn this Meeting untill Monday next 11 oClock.

Joseph Webb, Moderator.

Boston, August 21, 1786. At a Meeting of the Church etc. agreeable to Adjournment, and Voted to Dissolve this meeting.

Joseph Webb, Moderator.

Boston, February 11, 1787.

Whereas it has pleased the Supreme Disposer of all Events to remove by Death our late venerable and Beloved Pastor the Reverend Dr Charles Chauncy471 the Church and Congregation met after Divine Service, this Day, and unanimously Voted that the Corpse of our late Reverend Pastor be brought into the Meeting House on Thursday next and that the Standing Committee wait on the Reverend Mr Clark and request him to preach a Sermon on this mournful occasion, and that the Reverend Mr Thacher be requested to make a Prayer.

Voted that the Expences of the Funeral be defreyed by the Society.

Jacob Williams, Moderator.

[5]   At a Meeting of the Members of the First Church of Christ in Boston, April 16, 1787.

Voted—unanimously, that the estate, now occupied by the Pastor, be sold.

Voted unanimously that Deacon James Thwing be impowered to make the sale.

Voted unanimously that the money be applied towards discharging the debts already incurred by the society worshipping in the First Church.

Voted unanimously that the standing Committee of the Society be desired to assist Deacon Thwing in the sale of the estate, and the application of the money.

Attest John Clarke, Moderator.

[6]   At a Meeting of the Society, April 22, 1787. The following Letter was read:

Deacon James Thwing was selected Moderator—Upon motion, Voted That there be a Contribution on the next Lord’s Day in the Afternoon, for the relief of those of our Fellow Citizens who are Sufferers by the dreadful fire, which happened at the South part of this town on the night of 20th instant and that all the unmarked Money be appropriated for that purpose.

[7]   Boston, July 10, 1787. At a Meeting of the Church and Congregation, John Brown, Esquire, Moderator.

Voted That the Standing Committee be Five for the Ensuing year, viz.

• Mr Joseph Russell
• Deacon Jacob Williams
• Joseph Barrell, Esquire
• Mr James Morrill
• Deacon James Thwing

Voted David Tilden Esquire be Treasurer.

Voted That Mr William Smith

Dr Appleton

Honorable Robert T Paine Esquire be a Committee to audit the Treasurers Accompts.

Voted That the Salary of our Reverend Pastor be Four Pounds four Shillings per week the year ensuing.

Voted That the Reverend Mr Clarke be allowed Twenty Cords of Wood for the year ensuing.

Voted That Mr John Greenleaf be allowed the Sum of Thirty Pounds as Organist for the year ensuing.

Voted That the Sum of One Pound four shillings be allowed Mr James for his attendance on the Organist finding Fuel, etc.

Voted That the Standing Committee be directed to reduce the Tax on the Pews Twenty five per Cent, and that the same Committee be enjoined to take particular care that all the Holders of Pews comply with the Conditions of their Deed.

Voted That the Thanks of the Society be given to Deacon James Thwing for his faithful Services for many years past.

Voted That Mr James Morrill receive the Contribution and pay the Reverend Mr Clarke, etc. keeping a Record of the same.

[8]   Voted That the Standing Committee be authorized to dispose of a piece of Land adjoining and bordering on Land improved by Mr Frederick William Geyer, provided they do not interfere with the Right of the Church in said Land—and that they appropriate part of the Money in repairing the Fences of Mr Clarke.

Voted That Mr James be allowed the Sum of Fifteen Pounds for his Services as Sexton the year ensuing, and that his Pew be free from Tax.

John Browne, Moderator.

[9]   At a Meeting of the Church and Congregation this 8th day of July 1788, Joseph Russell, Moderator.

Voted That the Standing Committee be Five for the Ensuing Year, and the following Persons were chosen viz.

• Deacon Jacob Williams
• Mr William Morril
• Joseph Barrel Esquire
• Mr William Smith
• Mr David Tilden

Voted David Tilden Esquire, Treasurer.

Voted that the Salary of the Reverend Mr John Clarke, our very worthy Pastor, be Four Pounds four shillings per week.

Voted that the Reverend Mr Clarke, be allowed Twenty Cords of Wood for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Sum of Thirty Pounds be allowed Mr John Greenleaf, as Organist for the year ensuing.

Voted That the Sum of One Pound four shillings be allowed Mr James for his attendance on the Organist, finding Fuel, etc. …

Voted that the Report of the Committee on the late Treasurer Account be accepted.

Voted that one more Gentleman be added to the Committee and Mr James Morril was chosen.

Voted that Mr James Morril receive the Contributions and pay the Reverend Mr Clarke his Salary, etc. keeping a Record of the same.

[10]   Voted that the Sum of Fifteen Pounds be allowed Mr James for his Services as Sexton of the First Church for the year ensuing.

Joseph Russell, Moderator.

[11]   At a Meeting of the Society of the First Church Lords day Evening after Divine Service, July 20, 1788, Joseph Barrel, Mordirator.

Voted Unanimously that the Sum of One hundred pounds be Assesed on the pews in just proportions; to discharge the Debts due from the Society, and that the Committee be requested, to furnish the Pew holders, with the sum assesed on the pews and to request them to pay it; on the next Lords day after they recive it and that it is expected no one will exceed the term of four months, before they make payment.

Joseph Barrell, Mordirator.

[12]   At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston this 7th day of July, A.D. 1789, Joseph Russell, Moderator.

Voted that the standing Committee be Five for the year ensuing.

Voted that the following Gentlemen be the Committee. Viz.

• The Honorable Benjamin Austin junior
• Mr James Morrill
• Dr Nathaniel W Appleton
• Joseph Barrell Esquire
• William Smith Esquire

Voted that David Tilden Esquire be Treasurer for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Salary of the Reverend John Clarke our very worthy pastor be Four Pounds, four shillings per week for the year ensuing.

Voted that a Committee of three Gentlemen be appointed to survey the Reverend Mr Clarke’s house, and to ascertain whether it would be for the interest of the Society to make some suitable repairs, and to report their opinion to the society at an adjournment.

Voted that the following persons be the Committee. Viz.

• Deacon James Thwing
• Honorable Robert T Paine
• Ezekiel Price Esquire

Voted that the Reverend Mr Clarke be allowed Twenty Cords of wood for the year ensuing.

Voted that the sum of Thirty Pounds be allowed Mr John Greenleaf as Organist for the year ensuing.

[13]   Voted that the sum of £1.4.—be allowed Mr James for his attendance on the Organist etc.

Voted that Mr James Morrill receive the contributions, and pay the Reverend Mr Clarke his Salary, he keeping a record of the same.

Voted that the sum of £15 be allowed Mr James for his services as Sexton of the First Church for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Honorable Benjamin Austin Esquire—and Mr Samuel Torrey be a Committee to wait on the several persons who are in arrears to the Society, and to make use of all possible means in their powers, to persuade them to make payment.

Voted that the meeting be adjourned to Monday the 20th of this instant July at 4 O’Clock P.M.

Joseph Russell, Moderator.

At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston July 20, 1789, by Adjournment.

Voted that Mr Samuel Torrey be excused, by his particular request from his attendance in collecting the arrearages due to the Society.

Voted that the addition of Two be added, and Dr Nathaniel W Appleton, and Major Samuel Cabot were chosen to collect the Arrearages due to the Society.

Voted that on account of the small number who have attended, this meeting be further adjourned to the next Lord’s day, after service in the afternoon; and that the Reverend Mr Clarke be desired to in join upon all to give their attendance as matters of consequence are then to come under Consideration.

Joseph Russel, Moderator.

[14]   Lord’s Day, July 26, 1789.

The First Church and Congregation met agreeable to Adjournment, but there not being so full a meeting as was expected, it was voted that the Meeting be further adjourned to the next Lord’s day, after service in the Afternoon, and that written Notifications be sent to every proprietor of Pews, in joining their punctual attendance at that time.

Joseph Russell, Moderator.

Lord’s Day, August 2, 1789.

The First Church and Congregation met according to Adjournment, and entered immediately into the consideration of the expediency of repairing the dwelling house of our Reverend Pastor, and after a lengthy debate on the ways and means of the payment of the expence it was Voted that the sum of One hundred pounds Lawful Money be raised for the sole purpose of repairing the house of the Reverend Mr Clarke to be assessed on the pews.

And whereas some persons in the Society have expressed an uneasiness at the mode made use of at the last annual meeting, in the choice of the standing Committee, urging the impropriety of choosing by nomination, alledging that such Committees ought always to be chosen by Ballot, whereupon to remove the difficulty complained of the standing Committee unanimously requested leave to resign their office which was accepted.

On a motion of Mr Jame [sic] Lamb, seconded by Mr Israel Loring to remove the Organ from the Society by making sale thereof, and after a debate had thereon the motion was negatived 33 against it, and only 3 for it.

[15]   Voted that this Society will choose a Standing Committee by Ballot the next Lord’s day immediately after divine service in the afternoon, and that this meeting be adjourned to that time.

Joseph Russell, Moderator.

Lord’s day, August 9, 1789.

The First Church and Congregation met agreeable to adjournment, and made choice of the following Gentlemen, by Ballot, as the standing Committee for the year ensuing. Viz.

• Mr James Morrell
• William Smith
• Doctor Appleton
• Samuel Cabot
• Honorable Benjamin Austin Junior

Voted that three Gentlemen be appointed as a Committee to carry into effect the repairs of the Reverend Mr Clarke’s house: and to see that the monies raised for that purpose be laid out in the best manner for the interest of the society. Whereupon the following gentlemen were chosen Viz.

• Deacon James Thwing
• David Tilden
• Ezekiel Price Esquire

Whereas many of the Pewholders of the first church are greatly deficient in the payment of their assessments, and weekly contribution, by reason whereof the Society is unable to discharge its just debts, therefore, Voted that the standing Committee be impowered and directed to see that the terms on which the proprietors hold their pews be strictly complied with, taking care that those persons [16] who are by the providence of God so reduced in their circumstances as disenables them for the payment of any taxes, be provided with such seats as the Committee shall think suitable and proper.

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to this day four weeks, immediately after the divine service in the Afternoon.

Joseph Russell, Moderator.

Lord’s Day, September 6, 1789.

The First Church and Congregation met agreeable to their adjournment, when the Committee appointed to contract for repairing the Reverend Mr Clarke’s house made a verbal report, that they had agreed with a Carpenter and Glazier for the amount of their work and materials, but as it was uncertain how much painting would be wanted they could not ascertain the precise bill.

A motion was made and seconded, that the standing Committee be directed to issue notifications to those persons who had not paid in the sums they were assessed for the repairs of the Reverend Mr Clarke’s house, to desire them to pay it in forthwith, as the money was wanted immediately to defray the expences, and that the names of those who were delinquent be laid before the society at their next meeting.

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to this day 4 weeks, after divine service in the afternoon.

Joseph Russell, Moderator.

[17]   Lord’s day, November 8, 1789. The First Church and Congregation met agreeably to their adjournment, David Tilden, Moderator.

Voted that the Standing Committee be desired to try to hire the money that falls short of the £100 voted to be raised for the repairs of the house in which the Reverend Mr Clarke now lives, supposed to be about £20.

Voted to adjourn to the 22 January—after divine service.

At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, July 6, 1790, Benjamin Austin, Moderator.

Voted that the Standing Committee for the year ensuing consist of 5. The Votes being collected, the following persons were chosen. Viz.

• Deacon James Morrell
• Samuel Cabot
• Dr Nathaniel W Appleton
• Benjamin Austin junior
• William Smith

Voted that David Tilden be treasurer for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Salary of the Reverend John Clarke, our very worthy pastor, be four pounds, four shillings per Week for the year ensuing, and twenty Cords wood for the year.

[18]   Voted that the sum of £30 be allowed Mr Greenleaf as Organist for the year ensuing.

Voted that the sum of £15 be allowed Mr Lemuel Ludden for his services as Sexton for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Standing Committee be directed to consider the demand of Mrs Browne, respecting the vote passed by the Society Feb. 12, 1785,473 and to act thereon as to them may appear proper.

Voted that the meeting be adjourned to the next Lord’s day after divine Service in the Afternoon.

Benjamin Austin Junior, Moderator.

July 11, 1790. At a meeting of the First Church and Congregation agreeably to Adjournment.

Voted that the Standing Committee be directed to request such persons as are delinquent in the payment of their taxes, assessments etc. immediately to discharge the same: And unless such arrears be discharged within Two months after application, the Committee to take possession of the pews, and to proceed agreeably to the tenour of the deeds.

B Austin, Moderator.

At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation, in Boston, December 19, 1790.

Voted that this Society have a Stove in the Meeting house for the more comfortable accommodation of the worshippers.

Voted that the Standing Committee be desired to obtain Subscriptions for the above purpose, and to fix the Stove in such place in the house as they shall judge convenient.

J Morrell, Moderator.

[19]   At a Meeting of the Society of the First Church July 10, A.D. 1791.

Voted that the standing Committee consist of Five. The following Gentlemen chosen. (Viz.)

• Deacon James Morrill
• Doctor N W Appleton
• The Honorable Benjamin Austin junior
• Major Samuel Cabot
• Mr William Smith

Voted that Deacon Tilden be treasurer for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Salary of the Reverend John Clarke be £4.4.0 per week for the year ensuing.

Voted that he be allowed 20 Cords of Wood.

Voted that the Organist be allowed £30.0.0 for the year ensuing.

Voted that Mr Ludden be allowed £15.0.0. for the year ensuing.

Voted that the standing Committee be directed to send the Sexton, weekly, to those who are delinquent in the payment of their assessments, etc. to request them to discharge their arrearages, as soon as possible, to enable the Committee to pay the debts of the Society.

Voted that the meeting be dissolved.

Benjamin Austin Junior, Moderator.

[20]   At a Meeting of the Society of the First Church July 3, 1792. Ezekiel Price was chosen Moderator.

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Monday next at 5 o’Clock P.M. At the adjournment of the meeting July 9, 1792, Voted that the standing committee consist of Five. The following gentlemen were chosen. Viz.

• Deacon James Morrell
• Doctor N W Appleton
• Honorable Benjamin Austin junior
• Major Samuel Cabot
• Mr William Smith

Voted that Deacon Tilden be Treasurer for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Salary of the Reverend Mr Clarke be Four Pounds, 4/ per Week, for the year ensuing.

Voted that he be allowed 20 Cords of Wood.

Voted that the Organist be allowed 30 Pounds for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Sexton be allowed £15.0.0.

Voted that the standing committee be directed to send the Sexton, as often as they think proper, to those who are delinquent in the payment of their assessments, and to request them to discharge their arrearages as soon as possible, to enable the committee to pay the debts of the society.

Voted that the standing committee be directed to employ, at the expence of this Society, Council learned in the law, to defend a suit in ejectment, brought by Joseph Greenleaf Esquire against Messrs Williams and Cheever, of a Pew, No. 48 sold them by the Treasurer of this church.

Voted that this meeting be dissolved.

(Signed)

Ezekiel Price, Moderator.

[21]   At a Meeting of the Society of the First Church, July 2, 1793. Samuel Bradford was chosen Moderator.

Voted that Deacon James Morrill, The Honorable Benjamin Austin junior, Mr William Smith, Dr N W Appleton, and Mr John Joy be the Standing Committee for the year ensuing.

Voted That Deacon David Tilden be Treasurer.

Voted That the Salary of the Reverend Mr Clarke be Four Pounds, Four Shillings per Week, for the year ensuing; and that he be allowed 20 Cords of Wood.

Voted That the Sexton be allowed £15.0.0.

Voted That the Organist be allowed £30.0.0.

Voted That the Standing Committee employ at the expence of this Society Counsel learned in the Law to defend a new suit brought by Joseph Greenleaf Esquire against Messrs Williams and Cheever, owners of a Pew. No. 48 sold them by the Treasurer of this Church.

Voted That Notifications be issued to the Society, purporting a Proposition, to add the Interest of the Costs of the Pews on the Weekly Tax of those Pews, which are not improved by proprietors of Pews in said Church. To be taken into consideration at the adjournment.

Voted That the meeting of this Society be adjourned to Monday 15th instant at 5 o’Clock. P.M.

Adjourned accordingly,

(Signed)

Samuel Bradford, Moderator.

At the Meeting by Adjournment, July 15, 1793.

The question, “Whether persons hiring pews of the Society should be required to pay the Interest on the value of said pews, in addition to the weekly Tax,” having been under consideration, Voted that said question subside.

Voted That the standing Committee be directed in future, to increase the present Weekly Tax on persons, who shall hire pews of the Society, as may comport with its true Interest.

Voted That the Meeting be dissolved.

(Signed) Samuel Bradford, Moderator.

[22]   July 8, 1794. At a Meeting of the Society of the First Church, David Tilden was chosen Moderator.

Voted to adjourn to Monday Next, then to meet at the Meeting-house, at 5 o’Clock. P.M.

July 14. Met agreeably to adjournment.

Voted that the Standing Committee consist of Five. Viz.

• David Tilden
• Nathaniel Fellows
• James Morrill
• Samuel Clap
• William Smith

Voted that David Tilden be Treasurer for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Salary of the Reverend Mr Clarke be Four Pounds Four Shillings, for the year ensuing.

Voted that he be allowed Thirty Cords of Wood for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Organist be allowed Thirty Pounds for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Sexton be allowed Eighteen Pounds for the year ensuing, which is to be considered in full for his whole service.

Voted that the Sexton be allowed Three Pounds per year, for the Two years last past for his extra service.

[23]   July 7, 1795. At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, William Little was chosen Moderator.

Voted that the Standing Committee be requested to notify the Society by a written notification, that this meeting is adjourned to Monday, 13 Instant at 5 o’Clock P.M. then to meeting at the meeting house; and to request a general attendance as business of consequence is to be transacted.

Voted that this meeting be adjourned accordingly.

July 13. Met according to adjournment.

Voted that the Standing Committee consist of six for the year ensuing. (Viz) David Tilden, James Morrill, William Smith, Nathaniel Fellows, Jonathan L Austin, William Little.

Voted that the Reverend Mr Clarke’s Salary be fourteen Dollars per Sabbath for the year ensuing: and that Twenty Cords of wood be allowed him.

Voted that a grant be made to the Reverend Mr Clarke in addition to his Salary for the year ensuing, of the sum of Seventy Five Pounds, on account of the high and advanced price of the various articles of living.

Voted that the Organist’s Salary, for the year ensuing, be Thirty Pounds, and that a grant be made him of Thirty Dollars, on account of the high price of the articles of living.

Voted that the Salary of the Sexton be Eighteen Pounds and that a grant be made of Five Pounds for the above reason.

Voted that the Standing Committee be desired to assess the Pews in proportion to the present weekly taxes to raise the additional grant of Eighty Nine Pounds, and request them to subscribe their names to pay the same when it is most convenient, or when the Committee shall call on them.

(Signed) William Little.

[24]   At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, July 5, 1796, David Tilden, Moderator.

Voted to adjourn to Monday, 11th July, then to meet at the meeting-house, at 5 o’clock, P.M. and that the same be notified to each member of the Society, by the standing Committee.

July 11, 1796. Met according to adjournment.

Voted that David Tilden, James Morrill, William Smith, Nathaniel Fellows, Jonathan L Austin and William Little, be the standing committee for this year.

Voted that David Tilden be Treasurer.

Voted that the Reverend Mr Clarke’s Salary be Fourteen Dollars per Sabbath for the year ensuing; and that Twenty Cords of wood be allowed him.

Voted that a grant be made the Reverend Mr Clarke in addition to his Salary for the year ensuing of the sum of Three Hundred Dollars, on account of the high and advanced price of provisions, and other articles of living.

Voted that the Organist’s Salary for the year ensuing be one Hundred Dollars, and that a grant be made him of Forty Dollars, on account of the high price of the articles of living.

Voted that the Salary of the Sexton be Sixty Dollars; and that a grant be made him of Twenty five Dollars for the year ensuing.

[25]   Voted that the standing Committee be desired to assess the Pews in proportion to the present weekly taxes, to raise the additional grant of Three Hundred and Sixty five Dollars; and request them to subscribe their names, and pay their respective sums to the Committee, when called for.

At a meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, July 11, 1797, James Morrill, Moderator.

Voted that David Tilden, James Morrill, William Smith, Nathaniel Fellows, Jonathan L Austin, William Little—be the Standing Committee for the Year.

Voted that David Tilden be treasurer.

Voted that the Reverend Dr Clarke’s Salary be fourteen Dollars per Sabbath for the year ensuing: and that twenty Cords of Wood be allowed him.

Voted that a grant be made to the Reverend Dr Clarke for the year ensuing, of the Sum of Three Hundred Dollars, on account of the high price of provisions, and other articles of living.

Voted that the Organist’s Salary for the year ensuing, be One Hundred Dollars, and that a grant be made him of forty Dollars, on account of the high price of provisions.

Voted that the salary of the Sexton be Sixty Dollars, and that a grant be made him of twenty five dollars, for the year ensuing.

Voted that the standing committee be desired to assess the pews in proportion to the present weekly taxes to raise the additional grant of Three Hundred and Sixty five Dollars, and request them to subscribe their [26] names, and pay their respective sums to the Committee when called for.

(Signed) James Morrill, Moderator.

[27]   At a Meeting of the First Church in Boston April 2, 1798, David Tilden, Moderator.

On the afternoon of Sunday, April 1, 1798, The Reverend Dr Clarke was delivering a most excellent Discourse from 22 Psalm 3 Verse, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the Praises of Israel.”

He was entering on the improvement of his subject by urging his hearers “to be holy in all manner of Conversation,” to be pure in heart and to lead Virtuous and Holy Lives, when he was suddenly seized with an Apoplexy and fell backward in the Pulpit, he revived a little, but could only say, “my Friends,” when he sunk again. He was conveyed to his own house, soon became insensible, and expired at 3 oClock the next Morning (2d April). Thus died in the 43d year of his age and 20th of Ministry, this Amiable and Excellent Man. In the midst of his usefulness, The Members of the First Church and Congregation in Boston were deprived of their beloved Pastor, each individual of the Society of a most affectionate Friend and the World of one of its brightest Ornaments. In a moment, in the twinkling of an Eye did this “Good Man go to his long Home and the mourners went about the Streets.” In consequence of this mournful event, the Members of the Church and Congregation met this day, and Unanimously Voted, That the Corps of our late Reverend and beloved Pastor be brought into the Meeting House on Friday next, that the Standing Committee, wait on the Reverend [28] Dr Thatcher and request him to deliver a Sermon on this mournfull Occasion and that the Reverend Dr Howard be requested to make a Prayer.

Voted that the standing Committee give the necessary directions for the Interment, and that the Expences be defrayed by this Society.

At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, Lords Day Evening immediately after Divine Service, June 10, 1798.

Voted That the Standing Committee assess the several Pews in proportion to their weekly Taxes for a Sum sufficient to pay the Expences of the Interment of our late Pastor the Reverend Dr John Clarke.

Voted That it is the earnest desire of the Church and Congregation to Print a number of the Discourses of our lately deceased and beloved Pastor and that the standing Committee wait on his Widow and request her liberty for the same.

N.B. In consequence of the above Vote the Committee made application to Mrs Clarke and obtained her consent. An Octavo Volume containing; Sermons was printed.474

[29]   At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston July 17, 1798, James Morrill, Moderator.

Voted That William Smith, Jonathan L Austin, Daniel D Rogers, John Joy and James Morrill be the Standing Committee for the Year ensuing.

Voted That David Tilden be Treasurer and be considered one of the Committe.

Voted That the Organist’s Salary for the Year ensuing be One Hundred Dollars and that a Grant be made him of Forty Dollars on Account of the high Price of Provisions.

Voted That the Salary of the Sexton be Sixty Dollars and that a Grant be made him of Twenty five dollars for the Year ensuing.

[30]   At a Meeting of the Society of the First Church in Boston June 11, 1799.

Deacon David Tilden being Moderator of the Meeting, having by the assistance of the Reverend Dr Howard (invited for this purpose) addressed the Throne of Grace and supplicated the Divine Direction in the important business then before them and the subject being considered by a very full Assembly of the Members of the Society, They Unanimously passed the following Vote viz.

Voted also that the Standing Committee Viz. Deacon David Tilden, Deacon James Morrill, John Joy, Jonathan L Austin, William Smith and Daniel D Rogers together with the following Persons, viz. Robert T Payne, Samuel Hall, Benjamin Joy and Samuel Bradford be a Committee to persue such Measures as should be necessary and proper to carry the above vote into execution.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Harvard, regularly assembled on the 11th of July instant.

After hearing the Communications, from the first Church and Society in Boston, and the doings of the Church in Harvard, on said Communications and taking the same into consideration, Voted to concur with the doings of the Church, and Voted to choose a Committee to Join the Committee, appointed by the Church, to confer with the Committee of the said First Church and Society in Boston, and also with the Reverend William Emerson on the subject of his being dismissed from his pastoral Charge in Harvard. Viz.

A True Copy from the Records

Harvard, July 12, 1799.

Attest Francis Farr, Town Clerk.

[37]   At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston on Tuesday the 23d of July 1799 at 5 o Clock P. M., Deacon David Tilden, Moderator.

The Letter from the Committee of the Church of Christ in Harvard under date of 13th July was read, together with the Vote of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the said Town, whereupon it was Voted Unanimously, that the Committee of this Society, chosen for the purpose of Confering with the Committee of the Town of Harvard be directed to proceed on that Business, at the time they have appointed in their Answer, to the foregoing Communications, and they are hereby authorised and empowed to settle and conclude the Business relating to the removal of the Reverend Mr William Emerson from the Pastoral care of the Church in Harvard to that of the First Church in Boston, on such terms as they may judge most for the Interest of this Society and agreable to those Christian Principles on which they have commenced the conference.

Voted: That the Expences and charges attending this Business be borne by the Society.

[38]   Boston, July 23, 1799. At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, Deacon David Tilden, Moderator.

The Following Gentlemen were chosen a Standing Committee for the Year ensuing, Viz.

• David Tilden
• Daniel D Rogers
• James Morrill
• Jonathan L Austin and
• William Smith
• John Joy

Voted That David Tilden be Treasurer.

Voted To give Mr John Greenleaf, our Organist One hundred Dollars for his service for the Year ensuing.

Voted To give Mr John Greenleaf a Grant of Forty dollars. Over and above his Salary for the Year ensuing.

Voted To give our Sexton Mr Ludden a Salary of Sixty dollars for the ensuing Year.

Voted To give Mr Ludden a Grant of Twenty five dollars for the Year ensuing.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to Sunday, August 4, 1799.

[40]   Harvard, August 12, 1799.

The Town being assembled agreeable to adjournment proceeded to Act further on the second Article in the Warrant, And heard the report of the Committee, appointed to confer with a Committee from the first Church and Society in Boston, who were appointed to see upon what terms the Town of Harvard would dismiss the Rev William Emerson from his pastoral Charge in Harvard, which was as follows, Viz. that they met, according to their appointment and that the Committee from the said first church and society in Boston, came forward, and proposed to give Eight Hundred Dollars, in case the Town of Harvard would dismiss Mr Emerson.

The Vote being tried, to see if the Town would accept the above report, and it passed in the Negative.

Then Voted that there be a Committee chosen by ballet, with full power to agree and determine on the Conditions on which the Reverend William Emerson shall be dismissed, from his Ministerial Office in this place, in either of the following ways. viz, By a Compromise with the Committee of the first Church and Society in Boston, who have come forward for that purpose; And in Case an Amicable Adjustment cannot take place, then to submit the Matter to the determination of Disinterested Referrees mutually chosen by each Party.

Then Voted, and chose Messrs Thaddeus Pollard, Benjamin Kimball, Silas Parkhust, Isaac Whitney and John Priest, a Committee [41] for the above purpose, and that said Committee make report to the Town, as soon as may be.

Then Voted and dissolved this Meeting.

(Signed) Benjamin Kimball, Moderator.

A True Copy Attest

Mr Thaddeus Pollard and the other Gentlemen of the Committee of the Town of Harvard.

[48]   At a Meeting of the Brethren of the first Church in Boston September 20, 1799, Deacon David Tilden, Moderator.

This meeting being called for the purpose of coming to the Choice of a Minister, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the decease of our beloved Pastor Doctor John Clarke and the importance of the subject having been taken into our most serious consideration, And Whereas at a meeting of this Church and Congregation, the 11th, June last, We expressed our intention to invite the Reverend William Emerson, Pastor of the Church in Harvard, to settle with us in the Pastoral Character provided our Brethren of Harvard should consent thereto, And whereas by a Letter signed by Mr Thadeus Pollard, in the name and by order of the said Church and Congregation dated 11th September 1799, And directed to the Committee of the first Church and Congregation in Boston, it appears, that upon the Reverend Mr Emersons application to them for a dismission, the Connection between him and them, was, by mutual consent dissolved and that he is dismissed from his pastoral relation to them, which has been confirmed by an Ecclesiastical Council, regularly assembled by their united desire, which appears by their result, dated at Harvard 10th September 1799, and inclosed to us, in the before mentioned Letter whereupon the Church passed the following Votes:

Voted That the said Rev William Emerson be, and he hereby is invited to be our Minister, to Settle with us in the Pastoral Character.

[49]   Voted To adjourn to Sunday Evening Next to meet at the Meeting House immediately after divine Service.

Sunday, after the Evening Service September 22, 1799.

The Church being met according to adjournment, and the Congregation being requested to tarry, the Votes passed by the Church 20th instant being laid before them, a Question was put

“Whether the Congregation would assign a time for the Consideration of them,” On which it was voted, “That Tuesday next at 4 O’Clock P M, be assigned for that purpose and that this meeting be adjourned to that time.”

Tuesday, September 24, 1799.

The Church and Congregation being met according to adjournment, a Motion was made and seconded, that the Congregation agree with the Church in their Votes passed the 20th instant, which question being put, it passed in the Affirmative.

Copy

Attest. David Tilden, Moderator.

At a Meeting of the Church, September 20, 1799, The following Vote was passed and Unanimously concurred in at the Meeting of the Church and Congregation on the 24th September 1799.

Voted That for the Reverend William Emerson’s Encouragement and Support, he shall receive at the rate of Fourteen Dollars per Week, and also that he be furnished with a Dwelling House for himself and family, and with Twenty Cords of Wood annually.

Attest. David Tilden, Moderator.

[51]   At a Meeting of the Brethren of the First Church in Boston, Sunday after the Morning Service, October 13, 1799.

The Brethren of this Church, having received from the Church in Harvard, a regular dismission of the Reverend William Emerson from that Church, Whereupon it was unanimously Voted, That he be received a Member in full Communion with this Church.

Whereas the First Church and Society in Boston did by their Committee duly authorized for that purpose by their Letter to the Committee of the Congregational Church and Society in Harvard, in the County of Worcester, offer to them the Sum of One Thousand Dollars, in compensation for the settlement given by the same Church and Society, to the Reverend William Emerson, as their Minister and for the expences occasioned by this removal from them to the said First Church in Boston and the said Church and Society in Harvard by their Committee, duly appointed to transact the same Business, having by their letters accepted of the same and also desired that the said Compensation and Donation, should be given in such a manner, as to enure wholly and only to the use of the said Congregational Church and Society in Harvard, And the said First Church and Society in Boston intending that these reasonable desires as expressed, respecting this matter, should be carried into execution, do by their Committee [52] duly appointed to transact the whole matter relative to this composition, freely give and grant to the Inhabitants of the said Town of Harvard in their corporate Capacity, the Sum of One Thousand Dollars, for the sole use and benefit of the Congregational Church and Society in the said Town, whereof the said Reverend William Emerson was late Minister, for and towards the support of the Gospel Ministry in the same Church and Society, to be kept and applied in such manner, as, that the principal sum, may be preserved entire and the Interest of the sum only applied to that use.

The First Church of Christ in Boston to the Church of Christ under the Pastoral Care of the Reverend sendeth, Greeting.

[54]   July 10, 1800. At a meeting of the Society of the First Church and Congregation in Boston David Tilden was chosen moderator.

Voted to adjorn to monday next to meet at the meeting House at 3 O’Clock P.M.

July 14, 1800. At the adjournment the following Gentlemen were chosen a standing Committee for the Year ensuing viz.

• David Tilden
• Jonathan L Austin
• James Morrill
• John Joy
• William Smith
• Samuel Bradford
• Daniel D Rogers

Voted that Major David Tilden be Treasurer.

Voted that Mr John Greenleaf the Organist have a Salery of one hundred Dollars for the year ensuing.

Voted that Mr Lemuel Ludden the Saxton have a salery of sixty Dollars for the year ensuing.

Voted that Two hundred and twenty five Dollars be granted to the Reverend Mr Emerson for his services for the last Nine Months.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[55]   Boston, July 14, 1801. At a Meeting of the Members of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, Deacon David Tilden, Moderator.

Voted To Choose a Committee for the Year Ensuing viz.

• David Tilden
• Jonathan L Austin
• James Morrill
• John Joy
• William Smith
• Samuel Bradford

Voted that Deacon David Tilden be Treasurer for the Year ensuing.

Voted that Mr John Greenleaf be the Organist and have a Salery of One Hundred Dollars for the Year ensuing.

Voted that Mr Lemuel Ludden be the sexten and have a salery of Sixty dollars per Annum.

Voted that Three hundred Dollars be granted to the Rev William Emerson for his Services for the last Year, in addition to his Annual Salery.

Voted that Six Cords Wood in Addition to the Twenty Cords allowed him last Year be granted Reverend Mr Emerson for the Year Past.

Voted that a Grant of Forty dollars be allowed Mr John Greenleaf, the Organist in addition to his Salery for the Year past.

Voted that a Grant of Twenty five dollars be allowed Mr Lemuel Ludden the Sexten for his Services the Year Past in addition to his Salery.

Voted The Sum of Five hundred and fifty dollars be [56] raised, by Tax on the Pews, and the Committe are requested to assess the same, to defray the several grants for the year past for the Wood for the Reverend William Emerson for the year ensuing in proportion to their Weekly Taxes.

Voted To dissolve this Meeting.

David Tilden, Moderator.

At a Meeting of the Brethren of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, Sunday Evening after divine Service.

Voted That this Society will build Nine Pews in the Mens Gallery.

Voted That these Pews be under the direction of the Standing Committee, October 18, 1801.

November 8, 1801. At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, Sunday Evening after Divine Service.

Voted That the Votes passed 18th October be reconsidered.

Voted That One of the side Galleries in the Meeting House (the Choice being left to the Standing Committee) be now appropriated for the building as many New Pews as conveniently may be—that the building these Pews be under the direction of the Committee, and for the accomodation of those who occupy them, that Stairs be built at the Corner of the House, which will be most Convenient.

[57]   At a Meeting of the Brethren of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, after divine service, Sunday Evening, July 25, 1802.

The Brethren of the Society were requested to express their Opinions, relating to the Manner in which the Pews Newly erected in the North Gallery should be disposed off—Whereupon Voted Unanimously, That the present Standing Committee be and are hereby instructed and Authorized, to dispose off and sell at Auction on Friday Next the 30th Instant, the said Pews to the best Advantage for the Society.

At a Meeting of the Brethren of the First Church and Congregation in Boston, July 27, 1802, James Morrill, Moderator.

Voted The Standing Committee for the year ensuing be six. The following Gentlemen were chosen:

• David Tilden
• Jonathan L Austin
• James Morrill
• John Joy
• William Smith
• Samuel Bradford

Voted That Deacon David Tilden be Treasurer for the year ensuing.

Voted That Mr John Greenleaf be the Organist and have a salary of One hundred Dollars for the year ensuing.

Voted That Sixty Dollars be Allowed to the Sexton of this society for the coming year.

[58]   Voted That three hundred Dollars, be granted to the Reverend William Emerson, for his services for the last year in addition to his Annual salary, also that six Cords Wood in Addition to the Twenty Cords allowed him the last year be now granted him.

Voted That a grant of forty Dollars, be allowed Mr John Greenleaf the organist in addition to his salary for the year past.

Voted The sum of Five Hundred Dollars be raised by tax on the Pews, and the Committee are requested to assess the same, in proportion to their weekly taxes, to defray the grants this day made, and other Necessary expences of this Society.

Voted to dissolve this Meeting.

Fryday, July 30, 1802. Agreeable to the vote of 25th Instant—the Pews in the North Gallery were sold at Auction by Samuel Bradford Esquire Auctonioner.

[59]   January 23, 1803. At a meeting of the first Church or old Brick society so called, David Tilden, moderator.

Voted that the standing committee be agents to petition the General court to repeal an act passed laying a Restriction on the taxing of Pewes in Boston to a sum not exceeding two shillings per week on the highest Pew, or releave them in such other way as they may think best, that the committee may be enabled to assess a legal tax sufficient for their Parocial expences.479

N. B. The standing committee at the same time requested Deacons David Tilden and James Morrill to have their names inserted in the Petetion as Agents chosen by the Church and Society, and sign the same, which was done and handed to Honorable John Q Adams senator, to be presented to the General Court.

Attest David Tilden, Moderator.

At a meeting of the Brethren of the first Church and Congregation at their meeting house July 11, 1803, David Tilden, Moderator.

Voted that the standing Committee for the ensuing year be Six. The following Gentlemen were chosen Viz.

• David Tilden
• Jonathan L Austin
• James Morrill
• John Joy
• William Smith
• Samuel Bradford

[60]   July 11, 1803. Proceeding of the meeting brought forward and continued.

Voted that David Tilden be Treasurer for the year ensuing.

Voted that Mr John Greenleaf be Organist with a Sallery of One hundred and forty dollars for the year ensuing and in that proportion for the time he shall serve.

Voted that James Menzie the Sexton have a Sallery of Eighty five dollars for the ensuing year and in that proportion for the time he shall serve.

Voted that three hundred dollars be granted to the Reverend Mr William Emerson for the last year in addition to his Sallery.

Voted that Forty dollars be granted to Mr John Greenleaf the Orginest, for the last year in addition to his.

Voted that James Meinzies the Sexton be paid his proportion (according to the time he has been in Office the past year) of twenty five dollars usually granted the Sexton’s.

Voted that the Sallery for the Reverend Mr William Emerson for the year ensuing shall be at the rate of twenty dollars per week and that the allowance of wood for him for the use of his family shall be twenty six cords.

Voted that the sum of Six hundred dollars be raised by tax on the Pewes and the Committee are requested to Assess the same in proportion to their weekly taxes, to defray the grants this day made, and other necessary expence of the society.

[61]   July 11, 1803. Proceeding of the meeting brought forward and Continued.

Voted that the standing Committee of the Society settle the weekly assesments to be made upon the Pews, and report the same at a meeting of the society to be called for the purpose; and that printed notifications be sent to the houses of all the proprietors of Pews, of the time and object of such meeting.

David Tilden, Moderator.

Voted at the above mentioned meeting that Messrs John Joy, Samuel Bradford and Daniel Sargent Junior be a Committee to have the inside of the meetinghouse painted on such condition and at such time as they shall think best.

David Tilden, Moderator.

At a meeting of the Brethren of the First Church and Congregation at their meeting-house in Boston July 10, 1804, David Tilden, Moderator.

Voted that the standing Committee for the ensuing year be six—the following Gentlemen were chosen. Viz.

[62]   Proceeding of the meeting July 10, 1804 Continued.

Voted that David Tilden be Treasurer for the year ensuing.

Voted that the Sallery for the Reverend William Emerson for the year ensuing shall be at the rate of twenty Dollars per week and that the allowance of Wood for him for the use of his family shall be twentysix Cords.

Voted that Mr John Greenleaf be Organist with a Sallery of One hundred and forty Dollars for the year ensuing and in that proportion for the time he shall serve.

Voted that [Ebenezer] Clafland be Sexton and that his Sallery be Eighty five Dollars for the year ensuing and in that proportion for time he shall serve.

Voted to adjourn this meeting to monday next at 4 oClock P.M. for the special purpose of considering the expediency of repairing the meeting house and that notifications be posted in the Porch on Sunday next for that purpose and that Mr Emerson be requested to mention it to the Society after divine service.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[63]   At a meeting of the Brethren of the first [Church] and congregation by adjournment Monday, July 16, 1804. Meet according to adjournment.

Voted that the standing Committee Viz. Messrs Tilden, Morrill, Smith, J L Austin, Bradford and Joy be a Committee to make all necessary repairs on the Roof and on the outside of the meeting house and lay flagging stone and brick in the street front of the said house.

Voted that Mr William Clough be added to the above Committee and for the above writting purpose.

Voted that the standing Committee are directed to assess the amount of cost of above repairs on the society, and on each pew in proportion to weekly tax.

Voted to disolve this meeting.

David Tilden, Moderator.

March 19, 1805. At a meeting of the Committee of the first Church or old Brick society at the house of David Tilden, present David Tilden, James Morrill, John Joy, William Smith and Samuel Bradford.

Voted that the Treasurer give to Mr Benjamin Homer a quit claim deed of Pew Number sixty four in same first Church.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[64]   Boston, July 9, 1805. At the annual meeting of the Brethren of the first Church and Congregation at their meeting house in Boston this day, David Tilden, Moderator.

Voted to chose a standing Committee for the year ensuing, when the fellowing Gentlemen were chosen by ballot—Viz.

• David Tilden
• William Smith
• James Morrill
• Samuel Bradford
• John Joy
• Enoch Huse

Voted that David Tilden be the Treasurer for the ensuing year.

Voted that the Sallery for the Reverend Mr William Emerson be twenty five dollars per week and that he be allowed twenty six Cord wood for the use of his family the ensuing year.

Voted that the Organist Mr John Greenleaf be allowed one hundred and forty dollars per year and in that proportion for the time he may serve.

Voted that Ebenezer Claften be the Saxton for the year ensuing with a Sallery of One hundred dollars per year, and in that proportion for the time he may serve.

Voted that the Committee Messrs John Joy, Samuel Bradford and Daniel Sargent Junior who were Chosen to paint the inside of the meeting house be directed to cause the inside of the same to be whitewashed.

Voted to disolve the meeting which accordingly was done.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[65]   Boston, September 2, 1805. At a meeting of the Committee of the first Church or old brick Society so called in Boston at their meeting house at 11 Oclock A.M.—present James Morrill, John Joy, Enoch Huse, and David Tilden.

Voted that the Treasurer give a deed of Pew No. 57 to Mr Josiah Bradlee he having bought the said Pew of the heirs of Mr Joseph Morton and the Executor of said Estate having given the Treasurer a release and discharge of said Pew.

David Tilden, Moderator.

December 15, 1805.

At a meeting of the first Church or Old brick Society at their meetinghouse after divine service in the afternoon at the request of Mr Mann, to know if the Society would raise his Sallery as Choirester and singing master from the sum of One hundred and fifty dollars per Year to the sum of two hundred and twenty dollars per Year.

On motion whether we would give Mr Mann two hundred and twenty per Year Sallery.

Voted in the negative.

On Motion whether we would give Mr Mann any more than One Hundred and fifty dollars per year Sallery for the above mentioned services.

Voted in the negative.

Voted to disolve the meeting.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[66]   Boston, December 31, 1805. At the house of Mr Enoch Huse the Committee of the first Church or Old Brick Society meet; present:

• Messrs David Tilden
• Samuel Bradford
• James Morrill
• Enoch Huse
• John Joy

Voted that the Treasurer give deeds of Pewes to the persons hereafter named Viz.

Voted to disolve the meeting.

David Tilden, Chairman.

Boston, January 4, 1806. At a meeting of the Committee of the first Church or old Brick Society at the Fire and Marine Office. Present:

• David Tilden
• William Smith
• James Morrill
• Samuel Bradford
• John Joy
• Enoch Huse

Voted to write the following letter to Mr Elias Mann which was accordingly sent him this day by Joseph Hill which was delivered by Hill to Mr Mann.

Attest. David Tilden, Chairman.

[67]   Boston, July 8, 1806. At the annual meeting of the Bretheren of the first Church and Congregation at their meeting house this day, David Tilden, Moderator.

Voted to chuse a standing Committe for the ensuing year when the following Gentlemen where chosen Viz.

Voted that David Tilden be the Treasurer for the year ensuing.

Voted the sallery for the Reverend Mr William Emerson be twenty five dollars per Week and that he be allowed twenty eight cord of wood for the use of his family the ensuing year.

Voted that the Organist Mr John Greenleaf be allowed One hundred and forty dollars Per year and in that proportion for the time he may serve.

Voted that Ebenezer Clafland be the Saxton, and that he be allowed One hundred dollars per Year and in that proportion for the time he may serve.

David Tilden, Moderator.

September 8, 1806. At a meeting of the Committee of the first Church and Congregation at the store of Deacon James Morrill, this day; present the whole Committee.

Voted that the Treasurer give a deed of Pew No [blank] in the Gallery to Mr David Bradlee Junior provided J Q Adams Esquire relinquish his right and title to the said Pew.

Voted that the Treasurer give a deed of Pew No. 22 to Mr Richardson provided Mr Ozias Morse relinquish his right and title to the said Pew.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[68]   Boston, October 20, 1806. At a meeting of the Committee of the first Church or Old Brick Society at the house of Mr John Joy; present Deacon Morrill, Messrs William Smith, John Joy and David Tilden.

Voted that the Treasurer give deeds of Pewes No 60 to Mr Abraham Gibson and Pew No 14 to Mr Jonathan Howard after the former owners have relinquished the said Pews to the Society.

Voted to adjourn and meet at Deacon James Morrills on the third monday in November next at 6 O’clock P.M.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[69]   At a legal meeting of the Brethren of the first Church and Congregation at the meeting house Wednesday, January 28, 1807 agreeable to Notification posted January 17, 1807 for the purpose therein mentioned.

January 17, 1807. This was posted in the meeting house.

Voted that David Tilden be Moderator of this meeting.

Voted that Messrs P C Brooks, Charles Paine, John Joy, George Blanchard, and James Morrill be a Committee to accept a proposal made by Mr Ebenezer Preble, Viz. to pay to the Society the sum of three thousand dollars for a right of passage to a Court to be opened forty feet wide on the Eastern side of said Societys Land adjoining the Land of said Preble on Summer street.

Voted that David Tilden be added to the Committee.

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Wednesday the fourth day of February next at three o’clock P M than to meet at this place the meeting was adjourned accordingly.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[70]   Wednesday, February 4, 1807.

Meet according to adjournment at the meeting there being a small number therefore voted to adjourn to Wednesday 11th Instant to 3 O’clock P M. than to meet at this place.

David Tilden, Moderator.

Wednesday, February 11, 1807.

Meet according to adjournment and voted to adjourn to the first Wednesday in March next that to meet at the Meeting house at 3 O’clock, P.M.

David Tilden, Moderator.

March 4, 1807. At a meeting of the Bretheren of the first Church and Society in Boston by adjournment.

Members present Messrs George Blanchard, Edward Blake, John Cunningham and James Morrill.

Voted that James Morrill be Moderator—Pro Tempore.

Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Wednessday 11th Instant and that notice be given from the Desk and also that the Society be requested to tarry the next Sunday evening after divine service.

James Morrill, Moderator.

At a meeting of the Committee of the first Church or Old brick Society so called at Deacon James Morrills store, June 3, 1807.

Voted that the Treasurer give a deed of Pew No 45, to Mr James Phillips; also a deed of Pew No 39, to Mr Charles Barrett; also a deed of Pew No 33, to Mr William Hickling. Committee present Messrs David Tilden, James Morrill, John Joy, Enoch Huse and Samuel Bradford.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[71]   Boston, July 14, 1807. At the anual meeting of the Bretheren of the first Church and Congregation in Boston at there meeting house this day 4 Oclock P.M.

Voted and chose David Tilden, Moderator.

Voted to chuse a standing Committee for the ensuing year when the following Gentlemen were chosen:

Voted that David Tilden be the Treasurer the ensuing year.

Voted that the Sallery for the Reverend Mr William Emerson be twenty five dollars per week and that he be allowed twenty eight Cords wood for the use of his family the ensuing year.

Voted that the Organist Mr John Greenleaf be One hundred and forty dollars per year and in that proportion for the time he may serve.

Voted that Ebenezer Clafland be the Saxton and that he be allowed One hundred and twenty dollars per year and in that proportion for the time he may serve.

Voted that it is expedient for this Church and Society to sell the meeting house they now occupy, and instead thereof to erect a new meeting house, and four dwelling houses, on there land on summer street, under the direction of a Committee to be appointed for that purpose, upon such terms and conditions, as such Committee may deem for the intrest of this Church and Congregation.

[72]   Voted that a Committee of Seven be appointed with full power to carry the foregoing Vote into full effect, voted unanimous.

Voted that the Gentlemen hereafter named be the Committee for the above purpose Viz.

Voted to disolve this meeting, which accordingly was done.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[73]   Wednesday, December 16, 1807. At a meeting of the Committee for building the meeting house and four houses on our land in Summer street, Viz. Messrs Tilden, Morrill, Brooks, Joy, Paine, Blanchard and Torrey, at their old meeting house—on motion that we take into consideration the building of a Steeple on the new meeting house.

After consulting Mr Asher Benjamin our Architect he gave as his opinion that there would be a great risque in building a steeple as the foundation was not properly laid for one, therefore Voted to adhear to the Plan and contract made with Mr Benjamin Joy, and build a Cupola, also.

Voted that Mr Asher Benjamin be appointed and he is hereby appointed to inspect and superintend the building of the Meeting house and four dwelling houses building and to be built, on our land in summer-street for which he is to be allowed for his time and service and for drawing all the drafts and for all the business he has done or may do respecting the meeting house and four houses, the average sum the additional new Pews may sell for in the new meeting house in full for his compensation. N.B. the words (has done) were interlined before signing.

David Tilden per order.

A Benjamin.480

[74]   Boston, January 11, 1808. At a meeting of the standing Committee of the first Church or Old Brick society so called at the counting room of Deacon James Morrill. Present:

• Deacon David Tilden
• Mr Samuel Bradford
• Deacon James Morrill
• Mr Enoch Huse

Voted that the Treasurer give deeds of Pew No. 6 To Mr James Thwing, Pew No. 41 To Mrs Sarah Ellery Sargent, wife of Mr Ignatius Sargent, Pew No. 42 To Mr Caleb Hayward.

Att. David Tilden, Moderator.

Boston, March 10, 1808. At a meeting of building Committee of the first Church at the store of Deacon James Morrill. Present Messrs David Tilden, James Morrill, John Joy and George Blanchard.

Voted and agreed to sett the front of the four house to be built on Summer street one foot from the street unanimous.

David Tilden, Moderator.

March 13, 1808. The building Committee above mentioned met at the meeting house after divine service P.M. present the whole Committee Viz. David Tilden, James Morrill, John Joy, Samuel Torrey, P C Brooks, George Blanchard, Charles Paine.

Voted and agreed to ratify the above vote past the 10 March 1808, unanimous.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[75]   Boston, March 27, 1808. The building Committe met at the meeting house after divine service P.M.—present Messrs D Tilden, James Morrill, John Joy, Samuel Torrey, P C Brooks and Charles Paine.

Voted to reconsider the votes past the 10th and 13 March instant.

Voted to sett the front of our four houses to be built on summer street seven feet back from said street, on condition that Mr Ebenezer Preble and Mr Samuel P Gardner give an obligation to the first Church and Society that they or their heirs shall never erect any building, other than fences, on their lands in said summer street, that shall project notherly or nearer to summer street than the front of our four houses above mentioned and that they the said Preble and Gardner will pay all the extra expence of digging and filling up the cellar in consequence of our alteration from the plan agreed on the 10 and 13 March instant.

Voted that Mr John Joy and Mr Charles Paine be the committee to prepare the papers for the above purpose and have the same executed—adjourned.

David Tilden, Moderator.

[76] Boston, April, 1807. At a meeting of the building Committee at the Counting room of Mr Samuel Torrey, to take into consideration some hints that was given the Chairman by their superintendat Mr Lanchester, respecting some refuse brick that was sent to be put into the walls of the four houses now building on summer street.

Voted that a letter be written to Benjamin Joy Esquire on the subject of the brick, and other matters that have recently occured, the chairman was directed to forward the letter which was laid before the committe and accepted, and forwarded the same day a Copy of which is on file.

David Tilden, Chairman.

At a Meeting of the First Church and Congregation in Boston after Divine Service, May 8, 1808.

It was proposed to the Society for their consideration, wether they would remove the organ now used in our present meeting House, to their new Meeting House now almost finished, and several other matters being proposed for their consideration, Voted to adjourn this Meeting to next Lord’s Day May 15th, immediately after Divine Service.

James Morrill, Moderator.

[77]   Boston, May 15, 1808. The Church and Congregation met according to adjournment.

Whereas the Organ now used in this Church is judged too small for the house to which the Society are about to remove—Voted that the standing Committe be authorised to sell the same.

On Motion that the standing Committe be authorised to procure a New Organ for the Church in Summer Street when they shall judge the funds of this Society adequate to that purpose, Voted that the further consideration of this article be postponed for the present.

Voted that a Committe of Six persons be chosen to conduct the singing of this Society in the New Church to which they are shortly to remove.

The following persons were elected:

• Messrs James Thwing
• Daniel Messenger
• Samuel M Thayer
• James H Foster
• James Phillips
• Minot Thayer

Voted that a sum not exceeding three hundred dollars per Annum be at the disposal of said Committee to obtain such assistance as they shall think proper, ’till a New Organ be procured.

Voted that this metting be dissolved.

James Morrill, Moderator.

[78]   Sunday, June 24, 1810. At a meeting of the Committee of the First Church and Society at their Meeting house after divine service; present David Tilden, James Morrill, William Smith and Enoch Huse, the Chairman laid before them the following letter from the Honorable William Gray Lieutenant Governor.

Voted unanimously to grant the request in the said letter and directed the Chairman to inform his honor the Lieutenant Governor of the same.

NB. Messrs John Joy and Samuel Bradford acquiesced in the above vote though not present.

[79]   June 27, 1810. At a meeting of the proprietors of Pews in the First Church in Chauncy Place, David Tilden moderator, in consequence of the following Petition.

The subscribers, part of the proprietors of the First Church in Boston, request the Committee of said Church to notify the members of the Church and Congregation to meet in the said Church on Wednesday the 27th June Instant at half past one oClock on business of importance,

• S M Thayer
• William Stevenson
• Edward Blake Jr
• Allan Crocker
• Caleb Hayward
• Jonathan Howard
• B Dana
• Ignatius Sargent
• William Tileston
• John Fox
• Nathaniel Goddard
• Andrew Brimmer
• George Blanchard
• Benjamin Leverett
• Asaph Stone
• Samuel Wheelwright
• Gamaliel Bradford
• Joseph Wiggin
• Josiah Bradlee
• Isaac Hall
• William Reynolds
• Oliver Keating
• Daniel Sargent
• Samuel Torrey
• James Thwing
• John W Blanchard
• Turner Phillips
• Abraham Gibson
• A Benjamin
• Edward Reynolds
• James Fillis
• William Richardson
• Benjamin Gray

which being laid before the Meeting and they being informed by the Committee of the application of the Executive of the Commonwealth for the use of their House on the 4th July ensuing and of the answer of the Committee.

Voted that the Proprietors will with great cheerfulness open the Meeting house to accomodate His Excellency and suite on the 4th July ensuing for the purpose of attending divine service—but as the inhabitants of Boston have been in the constant usage, ever since the declaration of Independence, of celebrating that glorious event, under the arrangement of the Selectmen, who have on this as well as on all former occasions appointed an Orator for this purpose, and as another Oration in that house would interfere with the proposed arrangement of the Constituted Authorities of the town, the Proprietors cannot consent that any Oration not authorized by the Selectmen should be pronounced on that day in their Building.

Voted That the Moderator make the following [80] communication to His Honor the Lieutenant Governor covering the foregoing vote.

January 15, 1811. At a meeting of the Standing Committee of the First Church and Society this day at the office of William Smith Esquire.

Voted that the Treasurer give a Deed of pew number—One hundred and ten in the said First Church, in lieu of pew number Thirty-one in the old meeting-house late in Cornhill, to Christopher Gore Esquire, said pew formerly belonging to Nathaniel Barrett and by him assigned to said Gore.

Voted at said meeting that the Treasurer give a Deed of pew number One hundred to Charles Curtis when Lemuel Ludden will have relinquished his right to said pew and produced a certificate that all arrearages are paid thereon. Present at the above meeting, D Tilden, J Morrill, William Smith, John Joy and E Huse.

David Tilden, Chairman.

[81]   Monday, April 8, 1811. At a meeting of the standing Committee of the First Church and Society this evening at the house of William Smith Esquire.

Voted that the Treasurer give a Deed of Pew No. 35 in the said First Church, to William Tileston, said pew formerly belonging to Cornelius Durant and by him assigned to said Tileston.

Present The whole Committee.

David Tilden, Chairman.

Sunday evening, April 28, 1811. At a meeting of the Committee in the meeting house after divine service.

Voted that the Treasurer give a deed of Pew No 44 in the first Church to Joseph P Bradlee, Mr Benjamin Gray and Miss Haley Rand having relinquished all their right and title of said Pew to the Committee of said first Church.

David Tilden, Chairman.

Present all the Committee

excepting Samuel Bradford Esquire.

[123]   At a Meeting of the First Church of Christ in Boston, 11th December 1789. At Mr James Morrill’s.

Voted That there be an annual meeting of the Church on the Evening of the first Monday in October at Seven of the Clock.

Voted That the Deacons for the time being lay before the church at the annual Meeting a Statement of their accounts.

Voted That Mr Clarke be desired to inform Deacon Williams upon his return, that it is the request of the Church, that, at some convenient time, he would give them information respecting the state of their Finances, and that a meeting be called for the purpose.

Voted That on the Lord’s Day, which will be the 20th Inst. after divine service in the afternoon, the church proceed to the choice of a Deacon in the place of Deacon Thwing, lately deceased; of whose pious and faithful services, the church retains a grateful remembrance.

John Clarke Moderator

Agreeably to the above, Mr David Tilden and Mr James Morrill were chosen into the Deacon’s office; and accepted.

[124]   At a Meeting of the First Church of Christ in Boston December 11, 1790. At Mr Clarke’s.

No Votes passed.

At a Meeting of the First Church of Christ in Boston December 6, 1791. At Mr Price’s.

Voted that the Money loaned to Mr Joseph Russell, remain in his hands, he regularly paying the Interest.

Voted that the Treasurer sell the Loan-Office Certificate and the States paper Continental Money, now on hand, and that the proceeds be kept, for the present, in the Treasury, or loaned according to his discretion.

John Clarke, Moderator

At a Meeting of the First Church of Christ in Boston. October 1792. At Deacon Tilden’s.

No Votes Passed.

At a Meeting of the First Church of Christ in Boston. November 15, 1793. At Dr Appleton’s.

Upon an exhibition of the Receipts and Expenditures of the Church’s money (by the Deacons) for the year passed, the members present expressed their entire satisfaction.

[125]   October 17, 1804.

At a meeting of the First Church of Christ in Boston this day were present the Pastor, Deacons Tilden and Morrill, and brethren William Morrill, James Thwing, Samuel Thwing, Obadiah Thayer, James H Foster, William Lankester, Andrew E Thayer, Enoch Huse, and D Wild.

This meeting was appointed in consequence of a request made by the Pastor on the first Lordsday in this month, which request was founded on a knowledge that similar meetings had been held in years past, as appears by the records in the preceding pages.

Agreeably to the second vote passed at the meeting of the church December 11, 1789, the Deacons made a statement of the monies in their hands.

The following is the statement made by Deacon Tilden.

In addition to the above monies, there is exhibited by Deacon Tilden a State Note, No 301, dated January 10, 1804, for $481.01 and bearing interest at 5 per cent, from the first of the said month of January.

October 17, 1804.

After exhibiting the above statement, the Deacons informed the brethren that it was [126] their intention, within six months from the present time, to vest the first mentioned sum viz 1042.78 in the publick funds, in real estate, or in some way which, in their opinion, shall best secure and render productive the property of the church.

On motion of brother Deacon Morrill, it was

Voted, that all such persons, as, having been previously members of other churches, manifest a desire to become members of our body, shall be proposed to the church by the Pastor, and observe the same form of admission as new candidates.

On motion it was unanimously

Voted, that the Deacons of the church be a committee to wait on brother Osias Morse, and seriously admonish him to return to his duty of publick attendance on the ordinances of the gospel.

There being no other business at present before the church, the meeting was dissolved.

W Emerson, Moderator.

October 27, 1806.

In compliance with a former custom, of holding a meeting of the Brethren of the First Church of Christ in Boston, in the month of October annually, for the purpose of attending to a statement of the Funds [127] of said Church, to be laid before them by the Deacons thereof—and to such other business, as might require their consideration—A meeting was held this Evening, at the House of Deacon James Morrill, when were Present,

Our Reverend Pastor, William Emerson, who presided—Deacons David Tilden and James Morrill, Brethren Enoch Huse, Abijah Cheever, Edward Blake, Andrew E Thayer, James H Foster and Obadiah Thayer

The last mentioned, was nominated and Voted Secretary for this meeting.

The Property of the Church was stated to be Eleven hundred ninety five Dollars 66/100^th, now in the hands of Deacon David Tilden, and a Massachusetts State Note for Four hundred and eighty one Dollars 1/100^th, bearing an Interest of 5 per Cent per annum—

It appeared that the Donors of this property, bestowed it for three distinct purposes, Viz

• For the benefit of the Poor generally
• For the use of Pious purposes
• For the use of the Ministry.

[128]   and upon calculation it was ascertained, that that portion, the Interest of which was intended for the Ministry, was $295.7—that for pious uses, was $132.20. and that for the Poor generally, was $1249.40—It was

Voted: That the Money should be Loaned to Decon David Tilden, he, giving his Notes as Principal, and George Blanchard as surety, as follows. Viz One Note for $295.7 payable on demand with Interest annually, expressing that it is for that part of the Funds, given for the use of the Ministry.

One Note for $132.20 payable on demand with Interest annually, expressing it to be for that part of the Funds, intended for Pious uses.

One Note for $768.39 payable on demand with Interest annually, expressing it to be for that portion designed for the Poor generally.

The State Note above mentioned, and the last described Note of Deacon Tilden, comprise the whole of that Portion, designed for the Poor generally.

There being nothing further that required the attention of the Church—this meeting was dissolved.

Attest: Obadiah Thayer Secretary

[129]   At a Meeting of the First Church of Christ in Boston on the Sixteenth day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and seven, at 7 oClock, in the house of Deacon James Morrill, all the Members of the same being duly notified by the Pastor. Members present—Reverend William Emerson, Deacon David Tilden, Deacon James Morrill, Brethren Obadiah Thayer, Edward Blake Junior, Andrew E Thayer, William Morrill, James H Foster, William Lankester and James Thwing.

The last mentioned was nominated, and Voted Secretary for this meeting.

Whereas this Church is seized and possessed of a certain tract or parcel of Land, situated in Summer-street, so called in Boston aforesaid, the same being holden by this Church in virtue of a grant from Richard and Ann Hollingshead to Robert Sanderson and Henry Alline, former Deacons of this Church, and their successors in office, to the use of said Church or Society, as by the grant of the said Robert and Ann appears by the date of their Deed December 17. A D 1680—And

Whereas it is proposed to open a Street or Court through or by the said tract, and to sell part of the same, whence the value of the residue will be much increased, and great benefit will result to the Society—

Voted, That this Church do consent to the opening of a Street or Court through or by the same, and they hereby empower David Tilden Esquire and Mr James Morrill, the present Deacons of the Church, to alienate any part of the said tract, as shall in their opinion be most for the interest of the Church and Society—

[130]   But whereas the proprietors of the Pews belonging to the Society have, at a late meeting, chosen the Honorable Peter C Brooks Esquire and John Joy, Charles Paine and George Blanchard Esquires, in addition to the Deacons, for certain purposes therein expressed in their appointment Therefore

Voted That the Church do approve the doings of the Society in this respect.

And whereas this Church has full confidence in the discretion and ability of those Gentlemen, and in their zeal to promote the common interest of the Church and Society—Therefore—

Voted That the Deacons Tilden and Morrill aforesaid, do advise and act in concert with said Committee, or with any Committee which the Society may hereafter elect, for the purpose of carrying into effect the projected alterations in said tract of Land, and of erecting such buildings, and making such arrangements, as the Society in their wisdom may dictate.

There being no further business of the Church at this time

Voted That this meeting be dissolved.

Attest.

James Thwing Secretary W Emerson,

Moderator.

[131]   At a special meeting of the First Church of Christ in Boston, on the 7th of September 1807 at 7 oClock in the house of Deacon David Tilden, the members of the same being duly notified by the Pastor. Members present. Reverend William Emerson, Deacon David Tilden, Deacon James Morrill, William Morrill, William Lankaster, Abijah Cheevers, Edward Blake Junior and James Thwing.

The last mentioned, was nominated, and Voted Secretary for this meeting.

Whereas, by certain arrangements of the first Church Society, relative to the building of a new House for publick worship, for said Society, it becomes in our opinion, expedient to give to the Deacons of this Church our permission and authority to alienate the Old Brick Meetinghouse, so called, Therefore—

Voted That Deacon David Tilden and Deacon James Morrill be, and they hereby are authorized, to alienate and dispose of the said Old Brick meetinghouse, in any way, and for any consideration, which to them may seem just and expedient.

Voted That this Church do think it expedient that four pews be reserved in the new meeting house for such members of the Church and Society, as shall not be able to purchase, they paying the weekly assessment, and holding their occupancy under the direction of the Deacons.

Voted That this meeting be dissolved.

[132]   January 14th 1808. At a meeting of the first Church of Christ in Boston, at the house of Deacon David Tilden, the members of the same being duly notifyed by the Pastor. Members present, Deacon David Tilden, Deacon James Morrill, Andrew E Thayer.

After attending to a statement of the funds of the church presented by the Deacons, and finding them to be correct, and on account of the great severity of the storm no other members appearing voted to dissolve the meeting.

Andrew E Thayer, Secretary for this meeting.

At a Special Meeting of the first Church of Christ in Boston the 17 May 1808 at 7 oClock in the House of Deacon James Morrill the members of the same being duly notified by the Pastor. Members present, Reverend William Emerson, Deacon David Tilden, Deacon James Morrill, Brethren William Morrill, Enoch Huse, A Cheever, Edward Blake Jr, Andrew E Thayer.

Voted Edward Blake Jr Secretary for the Evening.

No particular Business presenting the same was dissolved.

[133]   At a meeting of the members of the First Church (the same being duly notified by their Pastor.) in the house of the Reverend William Emerson. January 1809 at 7 oClock p m. Present—Reverend William Emerson, Deacon James Morrill, Brethren, Edward Blake Junior, Obadiah Huse, William Morrill and James Thwing.

No particular business presenting Voted That this meeting be dissolved.

[134]   At an Annual meeting of the First Church of Christ in Boston, held in the Vestry the 28. December 1809 at 7 oClock p.m. the members of the same being duly notified by the Pastor—members present

• Reverend William Emerson
• James H Foster
• Deacons David Tilden
• Enoch Huse
• James Morrill
• William Lankaster
• Brethren Samuel Bradford
• William Morrill
• Edward Blake Junior
• Andrew E Thayer and
• Moses Barnard
• James Thwing
• David Francis

Voted That the Pastor and Deacons be requested to meet quarterly to wit—on the Mondays, next following the first Sundays in March, June, September and December, to examine the state of the Church funds and their appropriations.

Voted That this meeting be dissolved.

At an Annual Meeting of the First Church of Christ in Boston held in the Vestry Monday December 31st 1810. at 7 oClock P.M; the Members of the same being duly notified by the Pastor. Samuel Bradford appointed Secretary Pro Tempore.

Present: Reverend William Emerson Moderator, Deacons David Tilden, James Morrill, Brethren David Francis, Enoch Huse, Henry H Tuckerman, William Smith, Samuel Bradford, Minot Thayer and Obediah Huse.

Voted That in future no person shall be considered an acting member of the First Church who shall not previously have been proposed to the Church, and have subscribed the Declaration of Faith usually subscribed by persons on their admission to communion.

[135]   A general statement of the funds of the Church was made by the Deacons to the satisfaction of the members present, and the meeting was then dissolved.

At a meeting of the First Church of Christ after divine service the 28th July 1811. Present The Deacons, Brethren William Smith, James H Foster, Samuel Bradford, Francis, Edward Blake Junior, Enoch Huse, James Thwing, William Lancaster, Barnard.

Voted That, at the request of our brother Minot Thayer and sister Dorothy Welsh, wife of Mr Jonas Welsh, they be now honorably dismissed from this Church and recommended as proper persons to join a new Church now about to be gathered in Braintree and to all other Christian Churches.

The following is a Copy of a letter to the Reverend Samuel Clarke,

[At a meeting of the Brethren of the first Church in Boston held in the vestry of said Church, May 14, 1813. Members present, Deacon David Tilden, Deacon James Morrill, Brothers William Smith, James H Foster, James Thwing, Robert T Paine, Samuel Bradford, Samuel Floyd, David Francis.

This meeting being called for the purpose of coming to the choice of a minister, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the decease of our beloved Pastor William Emerson and the importance of the subject having been taken into consideration and from the thinness of the meeting it was voted that this meeting be adjourned ’till 4 O’clock on the morrow.

May 15, 1813. The members of the First Church met in the Vestry agreeably to adjournment. Members present:

• Deacon Tilden
• Samuel Bradford
• Deacon Morrill
• Nath. Goddard
• Messrs William Smith
• David Francis
• R T Paine
• Edward Blake
• P C Brooks
• Gaml. Bradford
• J H Foster
• James Thwing

It was moved and seconded that we proceed to the choice of a Minister, it was accordingly Voted that we proceed by ballot for a person for that purpose, the whole number of Votes was Nine, and Mr Abbot having that number was unanimously chosen.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to morrow Evening after divine service and that the Congregation be requested to tarry after the blessing.]

At a Meeting of the Brethren of the first Church in Boston, at the Meeting House, on Sunday Evening January 23, 1814.

Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned to Next Lords Day after divine Service in the Afternoon which will be the 20th Instant to Meet at the Vestry That the Church then proceed to the choice of a Deacon in the place of Deacon Tilden lately deceased of whose pious and faithfull Services the Church retains a gratefull remembrance

January 20 1814 The Members of the Church Met according to Adjournment and proceeded to the choice of A Deacon on Collecting the Votes it Appeared Our Brother James Thwing was chosen by a very large Majority and Accepted.

James Morrill Moderator

[137]   At a Meeting of the Brethren of first Church January 30th 1814.

A Letter from our sister Church in Brattle Street was Communicated by the Deacon (our Beloved Pastor Reverend Mr Abbot being Absent on account of his health) Requesting our Attendance at the Ordination of Mr Edward Everett as their Pastor the Church Voted to Attend the solemnities of the Day by the following Brethren

• Deacons James Morrill and James Thwing
• Judge Paine Messrs Enoch Huse
• David Francis and Samuel Bradford Esq
• James Morrill Moderator

At A Meeting of the Brethren of first Church April 2d 1814.

The request of Our Brother Edward Blake Jr and Sarah his wife that they be dismissed from their relation to this Church and Recommended to the New North Church Under the Care of Reverend Mr Parkman was communicated The Church Voted that their request be granted that they be Honorably dismissed and recommended agreeably to their request.

James Morrill Moderator

The following Letter was sent to the New North Church Christian Friends

At A Meeting of the Brethren of first Church in Boston April 2, 1814.

At the request of Our highly esteemed Brother and Sister Edward and Sarah Blake they were honorably dismissed from their relation to the first Church—

The parting with Members we so much esteem and with whom we have had much christian comfort and pleasure is Matter of great regret.

[138]   We do Now in the fullest Manner recommend them to your Christian Communion hoping that the same Christian comfort and pleasure which we have so long experienced may be continued to them and you in this New Relation—Asking your prayers for us and our Absent Pastor that he May soon be restored to us and to his Ministry with us

We subscribe Your

Christian Brethren

[At a meeting of the Members of First Church in Boston at the Vestry Dec. 26, 1814.

A letter from our brother James Thwing having been communicated,482 and taken into serious consideration; and the recent conduct of our brother George Blanchard, as being somewhat connected with that of Mr Thwing, having also been brought into notice—The members of this church have been compelled to form an opinion, which they have done with all the sensibility which the occasion is calculated to excite, that the conduct of these two brethren so far as it present knows, has been unbecoming as members of a christian church—It is therefore voted

That their attendance at the sacrament be suspended until the church shall be satisfied that it will be consistent with the articles of the church for them again to join in communion.

Boston May 22^d 1815

Visit to Mr Thwing at his request. He acknowledged the propriety of the Votes of the Church expressed in their letter to him December 26 1814 Yet at first he found he held a different opinion and was possible he had expressed it to some of the brethren.

He expressed much sorrow and Mortification for past deviations and fully assented to the following

That on reviewing the more late transactions of his life he found great cause for sorrow and regret.—and trusts he has now formed a resolution which is attended with his most earnest prayer that his future conduct be such as is becoming those that surround the table of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ—

Boston May 3^d 1815 A Committee of four Brethren of the First Church in Boston at the request of our Brother James Thwing called on him and He fully Assented to what is above written on which the Church this day voted to receive him again to there Communion

J Morrill Deacon

(Papers Relating to the First Church Proceedings with Mr James Thwing)]483

At a Meeting of the Brethren of the First Church of Christ in Boston held at the Vestry of said church January 23d 1815.

Voted That Sunday evening after Divine service of February 5th Next, be Now Assigned for the Choice of a Deacon for this Church in the place of Mr James Thwing who has declined continuing in the Office—

James Morrill Deacon

February 05 1815 The Brethren met According to adjournment proceeded to the choice of a deacon On collecting the Votes Mr James Hiller Foster was chosen and Accepted the office on Communion Day March 5 1815.

James Morrill Deacon