Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1875-11-12
iNN1LH
OF CHURCH HISTORY IN JAMAICA, VT.
Continued from issue OF Oct. 2otb.1

In the Congregational church by Rev. John
sioddard: April 10th, Mary and Cornet,
children of David Brooks July 9th, Aar-
on, son of the same; Sept. 9th, John, son
of John Watson, and Tarzab, daughter of
John Wellman.
From the minutes OF the Woodstock As
ISOLATION of this year, TO which the BAPTIST
church doubtless belonged from the begin
ming, we learn that its membership was 90.
1t had already contributed members TO the
formation of the West Wardsboro church
in 1892. In October of THIS year, 1905. Ell
der Coombs was installed as pastor in
Wardsboro with this condition: "That you
agree that 1 may go TO Jamaica and labor
some part of my time with them as IL NAV
appear duty to me and the two churches,
they bearing equal proportion in the sup
port according To the time and labor with
them" The Jamaica church was represent
ed in this council by Dea. Calvin Howard,
BENZ. Howe, Edward Pratt and John DYER,
who was also clerk of the council again.
The credentials of these delegates were
signed by Samuel Vial, church clerk. This
is the first church clerk whose namo we
have ascertainpd.
1896. This year a branch of the Baptist
church was established at West Townshend,
This is shown by The following record,
found in minutes of the Putney Baptist
church: Brother John Dyer of jamaica
presented petition in behalf of the branch
of the Jamaica church in West Townshend,
requesting the church to send Elder Asa
Hubbard 10 preach and break bread to
them four days in the ensuing year. Pass
ed in the Affirmative" Dated May &c, 1903
This branch became an independent body
in 1910; extinct in 1915, and is now sue
ceeded by Congregational church. In
the Congregational church Mr. John Stod-
dard is still pastor, and baptized the follow
ing persons: May %, Milly, daughter of
Ezra Liyermore; July "a, Mary, daughter
OF John Watson; July 81, David, son of
David Brooks.
1877. In the records of a meeting held
by the Congregational church in March,
Mr.. Ezra Livermore is called deacon. At
the same meeting Mr.. Sloddard requested
an honorable dismission from the church,
when it was "voted not to give the Rev.
sion agreeable 10 his request, rs things now
appear. Voted, if the society see cause, TO
send man TO search into the character OF
said Stoddard." But soon after his request
was granted, and mutual council called
for the Both of May, to assist them in set
Ting their difficulties. The council, evil
IDENTIFY, was large and able. Dea. Reuben
Wellman brought before 1t five charges
against Mr.. Stoddard, three of which were
not sustained at all, and in regard 10 the
two others relating 10 doctrinal subjects,
Mr.. Stoddard was censured for expressing
himself incautiously. Mr.. John Wellman
charged him with contradiction, and with
seeking 10 injure his interest, but they
were not proved. Ezra Livermore charged
him with deceit in his relation of the man
ner of his coming 10 Jamaica, but the coun-
Gil thought while there was show of it
there was no intention of deceiving. The
council found reason for dissolving the
pastoral relation, but nothing by which
Mr.. Stod dard had forfeited his moral or
ministerial character. But they seriously
cautioned him 10 take more diligent heed
to his conversation, and TO study more care
fully the authors and human nature. They
conclude in these earnest words OF Chris
tian wisdom ave recommend 10 pastor
and people, solemnly and faithfully TO ex-
anime themselves at this day when the
irowns Of Providence arc SO evidently up
on them. BE entreated, beloved, 10 inquire
imparlially what you have done amiss, and
humble yourselves before God under his
rebukes. Initiate the meek and benevo
lent temper of Christ, one toward another,
forgive one another, and pray one for an
other, if any man have quarrel against
any, as you hope 10 obtain forgiveness o
your Father in Heaven. Let all wrath
malice and bitterness be put away from
among you with all sliife. Be guarded
brethren, against spirit of division, seel
the unity of the spirit in the bonds o
peace. Be careful and tender OF each 9th
er's characters, with charity, disposed Il
cover rather Than 10 magnify and sprea'
abroad each others faults. MAJ
you be taught wisely to improve the deal
ines of Gods hand with you, and agaiI
enjoy the stated administration Of the or
dnances of grace, aud while you earnestl.
and humbly seek it, may you obtain lh
gracious presence Of God with you, an
may his blessing be upon you, for Christ
sake, Amen" Thus siormily ended MI
Stoddard's pastorate Of little less tina
three years. He was the first minister VIII
lived in the town.
The only fact learned concerning tn
Baptist church during 1897 is that its mem
bers hip was 40, a gain of 20 in two years
which indicates unusual prosperity in S
sparse settlement.
1898. There was one baptism in the Cor
gregaiional church this year. 1t occnrre
June l, when Rev. William Hall of Ora
ton baptized Seba son of John Wellman
1893. Oct. @, Rev. James Tufts of Wards
boro, baptized into the Congregation
church Asa, son Of John Wellman, an
Lydia, daughter Of Ezra Livermore.
1900. \ new confession Of faith W;
adopted by the Congregational church, pr
sented by Ezra Livermore. Baptized IN
this church by Rev. William Hall, Ju
u, Joseph r., son of Angler Cowdinj L
Rev. Aaron Crosby, Aug. 8, Ezra, son
Ezra Livermore; by Rev. Ablshai Colo
Samuel, Eunice and Aaron, children
Samuel whitney, aud Margaret, daughl
OF John Sabin.
1901. By vote pf the congregation
church the constitution of the consoelal'
churches in Windham county was adoT
ed, aud they became member oil IN
body. and, suppose, have been menu
of il ever since. At the March meetli
the town "Voted to purchase grave eliot
aud that the selectmen purchase the san
for the use, and at the expense OF the town
The selectmen were Benz. Muzzy, Am
LII ..-.-..I .,L L III Iiunrmnra- OcI. 3. 10