Page:History of Gardner, Massachusetts (1860) - Glazier.djvu/160

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156
Town History.—Ecclesiastical History.

the meeting-house was erected, the funds having mainly been contributed by Sullivan Jackson, George Scott, and Walter Greenwood.

The second pastor was Rev. Winthrop Morse, who continued his labors but a few months in the year 1834, yet retained his connection with the church as a member until June 20th, 1847.

Rev. Joshua Millett was his successor until 1835, and afterwards, in the same year, Rev. John Holbrook, who remained but three months. No baptisms are recorded while the three last named individuals served the church.

In 1837, Bro. John Clapp was ordained as pastor, and that year fourteen persons were baptized. Previous to Bro. Clapp's connection with the church no regular choir singing had been enjoyed; he being a good singer, and no one leading off after the hymns were read, he would officiate as singer and preacher. Soon after he came amongst them he opened a singing school for the benefit of the choir.

The next year, Bro. Andrew Pollard, now the pastor of the Taunton Green Baptist Church, commenced preaching to them, and was ordained as pastor May 1st, 1839. During his pastorate twenty-one individuals were baptized.

In June, 1840, Bro. William H. Dalrymple