This Day in Norwood History-May 23, 1890-Inception and Growth of the Baptist Society in Norwood-Part II

Authentic Facts upon The Inception and Growth of the Faith in Norwood

Part II

The first public meeting upon the Sabbath under the immediate direction of the Baptist denomination was held Aug. 8, 1858, in Union Hall. Three meetings were held, and the average attendance upon the three services was one hundred.

The services were conducted by Rev. J. B. Breed, of Woonsocket, R. I. The singing was under the direction of Mr. E. D. Draper, as at a previous meeting, July 2S, 1858, it was voted “that Mr. E. D Draper be invited to take charge of the singing and select such persons to compose the choir as he may desire.”

August 19, 1858, the church committee, Addison Boyden, David Fales, and S. B. Pullen, invited the friends of the Baptist cause to meet at the house of Addison Boyden. C. G. Alorse was chosen chairman, and Mr. Boyden clerk. After a full expression of views the opinion was unanimous in favor of securing the services of Rev. J. B. Breed. A motion was made by William S. Gay, and seconded by James R. Fisher, “that the committee be instructed to secure the services of Rev. J. B. Breed for the term of one year at a salary of $700.”

This motion was adopted by a unanimous vote. The third public meeting was held Aug. 23, in Hartshorn’s Hall.

Sept 5 the friends of the Sabbath School enterprise were invited to remain at the close of the morning service for the purpose of organizing a school. A large part of the congregation remained and the school was organized with Addison Boyden as superintendent, and Chester H. Comey as assistant superintendent.

October 1st, the Rev. Jos. Breed, having accepted the call extended to him by a vote passed August 19th, moved his family to South Dedham. In the ministerial letter of acceptance the reverend gentleman said:

“The salary is less nominally than I have received here in this village (Woonsocket), but trusting that Divine Providence would through you make up to me what might be an equivalent, provided we were successful, and feeling also that the Great Head of the Church seems to direct me to you, I accept your proposition with great pleasure, and will endeavor to enter upon my duties the first of October, 1858. I hope and pray that our mutual and united labors may be abundantly’ blessed in the conversion of souls.”

October 13th the South Dedham members of the West Dedham Baptist Church received an affectionate dismissal from that church in response to a written request to that effect, the West Dedham church thereby losing thirty-five members.

At a meeting held on the evening of this same day it was voted “that Rev. J. B. Breed, Addison Boydcn, Jas. R. Fisher, David Fales and S. B. Pullen be a committee to prepare it ‘declaration of faith and practice’ to be presented for the acceptance of those intending to unite with the church to be organized as the South Dedham Baptist Church. Voted also “that the same committee call a council of delegates from other Baptist churches to recognize us as a church of Jesus Christ, and that the meeting of said council be held on Wednesday, Nov. 3d, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon.”

October 24th, at the close of the afternoon service, the committee made its report relative to the subject of “Declination of faith and practice.” The copy presented was adopted as the rule of the government of the church. David Fales and Curtis G. Morse wen chosen deacons to serve the Church, and Addison Boyden Clerk of the Church. Mr. Morse declined to serve as deacon, but by invitation of the pastor assisted the senior deacon.

The Norwood Advertiser

This Day in Norwood History-May 18, 1890-Inception and Growth of the Baptist Society in Norwood