Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-04-25

ly, with elegant bouquets around the pulpit
After voluntary on the organ the choir sang
an anthem, which was rendered in fine style, as
were the other musical selections, which were
interspersed through the exercises, Rev. David
Weston, formerly of this city, read selections of
Scripture, followed by prayer offered by Rev
Harvey Fitch, and an historical sketch of the So
eiety by Rev. Mr., Bowers
The speaker began by saying that one
hundred and fifty years ago there was
but one Baptist church in the county, and that
was located south of the city of Worcester. In
1776 a church of this denomination was formed
in Harvard which included among its member
ship some of the residents of the adjoining
towns. 1t was largely due to the influence of
this church that a society was formed in the
southern part of the town of Lancaster, now
Clinton, in the year 1916. This society main
tanned struggling existence, holding services
as best they could, until 1885, when it became
extinct. Though few in numbers, and very
poor in worldly goods, it accomplished work
which did not cease with its extinction. The
old meeting house in Bolton was built about
this time, and it was probably thought impossi-
SAN W AAi"ahNeAih LNu OlSdblAd
tions so near each other. lu 1S45 this part of
the town of Lancaster began TO increase in
wealth and population, and a Congregationalist
society was formed, and chapel built.
This chapel soon proved too small TO accom-
modate the congregation, and the society built
larger house of worship, and turned the chap
ell over to the Baptsts. Twenty-Five years ago
to-day seventeen persons, seven male and ten
female, met and organized a Baptist church, and
the speaker began his labors as pastor with an
annual salary of $500. In the course of a few
months the congregation outgrew the chapel,
and the propriety of building a suitable meeting
house was discussed. AT this time the popula-
ton of the village was only 1900. A new house
was built costing $4,000 The society was very
poor at this time, and the utmost that could be
raised for the new house was St400. Help from
outside increased this sum to $780, leaving the
society with debt of $500. The building was
finished in 1S49. In 1869 the house was
enlarged and refuruished at a cost of 81 900,
and was dedicated anew in February, 1868, The
history of the church has been one of compare
tive prosperity, The speaker alluded feelingly
to the happy and cordial relations which have
always existed between pastor and people, and
related many interesting "reminiscences of scenes
in which worthy men, who have long since
passed away, took active part. Duling its ex-
istence over 600 different members have been
connected with the church, 400 of whom were
added by baptism.
The address was very attentively listened to
by the audience. At its conclusion prayer was
offered by Rev. Mr.. Cross of West Boylston,
after which the sermon was delivered by Rev. J.
d. Fulton, d. D., of Boston.
The speaker took for his text the 3D. verse
Of the 2Sd Psalm, and spoke for nearly an hour
in an eloquent manner. His subject was the
love of God, the manner in which it is manifest
ed among men and the Importance of the work
which Christians have to do in the world. He
illustrated the various parts of his discourse
with anecdotes which were told in a very
effective interesting manner
Prayer was then offered by Rev. Mr.. Weston,
followed by all anthem by the choir, and bene-
diction, pronounced by the pastor
In the evening there was social reunion and
supper in the vestiy of the church, at which
many former members of the church and soeie-
ty were present, and many interesting addresses
were made by the clergymen and others present