NOTE J. Page 15. Previous to his invitation to settle here, I had long cherished that hope; in consequence of which, after some conversation with individual friends upon the subject, I submitted the following letter: Jamaica Plain, Sept. 28, 1835. - My dear Friends and Parishioners, It is now towards fortyfour years since my ministry commenced amongst you, (forty-three almost of which I have been your ordained pastor,) and I can certainly bear the most unequivocal testimony to your uniform affection, fidelity, kindness and good feeling. My only wish is that I were more worthy of such expressions of them, as I have received, and am still constantly receiving from you all. In looking back upon the years I have already so happily passed with you, and forward to those few that must now remain of my life, (for at my age, almost sixty-four, I can even at the longest expect them to be few,) and feeling occasional interruptions of my physical strength, which I must expect now to increase rather than to diminish, remind me that I am nearly approaching the age of man, when a preacher ceases to be interesting, at least to the younger portion of his audience. And having, withal, understood, from various individuals of my society, of the acceptableness of Rev. Mr. George Whitney, as a preacher amongst you, (and who is now at liberty,) believing, too, that if he should be as acceptable to you all as I learn he is to many, it would be adding a new and strong link to the chain of union and love, which for so many revolving years has bound our society together in one, -- and finally feeling, moreover, that a popular young man might be a considerable acquisition to my parish, and especially one with whom I should still labor side by side in perfect harmony and affection during the remainder of my ministry, - all these considerations have, after very mature deliberation, brought me to the conclusion of making to you the following proposition, which I know you will receive and decide on with the same frankness and candor in which I make it, and which on every occasion I have uniformly experienced from you. The proposition is this, that, provided it should meet the wishes of my society to have Mr. George Whitney united with me, as colleague or associated pastor, and without the least additional expense whatever to the parish, I shall fully and gladly meet those wishes; and in order for their accomplishment, will relinquish all my salary, land, &c., now granted me, with the reservation to myself only of the east part of the parsonage, and a privilege in the barn for my horse and chaise; and will continue still to officiate as large a portion of the time as health and convenience allow; but most of all, as I think would be grateful to your own wishes. Gentlemen of the committee, I make this communication through you to the parish, and will thank you to communicate the same to them, in such a manner as may enable them to take the subject of it into as early consideration as may consist with their convenience. I am, Gentlemen, with great respect, very truly, Your sincere and affectionate Pastor, THOMAS GRAY. P. S. Brethren, if my proposal meets your approbation, then I wish further to state to you, that, provided any dissatisfaction should hereafter arise, either on the part of the parish or the pastor, three month's notice on either side being given, the parochial connection may be dissolved. And this proviso can be inserted in the call to Mr. Whitney for settlement. October 15, 1835. THOMAS GRAY. A parish meeting being hereupon called, and the above letter laid before them, after due consultation and deliberation of its purpose, it was voted unanimously to accede to the proposition it contained. I was requested to communicate the result to Mr. Whitney, who, on the 16th instant, sent a written reply of accordance on his part to the parish committee. Another committee was then chosen in addition to the standing parish committee, consisting of Major B. P. Williams, Deacon Joseph Weld, John Prince, John James, Stephen M. Weld, Dr. L. M. Harris, Paul Gore, Moses Williams, and John Ashton, to call and consult with Mr. Whitney and myself upon the time suitable for his installation, and to make the necessary arrangements therefor. The 10th of February, 1836, was fixed upon, as at that time Mr. Whitney's engagement with the Upper Parish would cease. Order of services at the installation of Rev. George Whitney, as colleague pastor with Rev. Thomas Gray, D. D., over the religious society on Jamaica Plain, on Wednesday, February 10, 1836: 1. Voluntary on the Organ. 2. Anthem. 3. Introductory Prayer, by Rev. P. Whitney, of Quincy. 4. Reading of the Apostolic Charge, by Rev. Dr. Pierce, of Brookline. 5. Original Hymn, by Mr. F. A. Whitney. 6. Sermon, by Rev. William P. Lunt, of Quin7. Prayer of Installation, by Rev. Dr. Gray. 8. Original Hymn, by Dr. Thomas Gray, Jr. cy. 9. Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. G. Putnam, of Roxbury. 10. Concluding Prayer, by Rev. L. Capen, of South Boston. 11. 'The grace of our Lord," Music. 12. Benediction. After the public services, the council returned to the parsonage, and in the evening the whole parish, old and young, assembled there, to exchange their mutual congratulations. Six years afterwards these congratulations were changed into mourning. Mr. Whitney had recently exerted himself beyond his strength, and though frequently warned against it, his elastic spirits still led him onward. In March he returned home from his last visit to his father of a day or two, with his wife, unwell, resorted to his sick chamber, from which he returned no more to bless and cheer us. He expired after twelve days illness of affection of the liver; and has now found his place with the spirits of just men made perfect in heaven. Four days previous to his death, as I entered his chamber in the morning, I found him looking for a hymn " he said had been running all night in his head" with these words, which were all he could recollect, "Must venture through the parted deep, Beside the liquid wall." I told him I well remembered and would find it. It was in Belknap's selection, I thought; not in our Hymn-book, where he was seeking it. I found it and gave it to him. He read it with great seeming satisfaction, laid down the book, and read it several times in the course of that day. It was so applicable to himself that he felt it. It appeared to me so prophetic of the event that I here give it entire. When overwhelm'd with pain and grief, Beneath thy chastening rod; Deprived of comfort and relief, Wilt thou for ever cast us off? But faith forbids this hopeless thought, We know the works thy hand has wrought, Long did the sons of Jacob lie, By Egypt's yoke oppressed; In thine own way, thy chosen sheep Strange was their journey through the sea, But mercy leads them on. Though trackless waves of ocean hide Thy footsteps from our sight; We'll follow where thy hand shall guide, MEMORANDA. In 1771 Mr. John Morey, one of the newly incorporated parish, presented the clock which ornaments the front gallery; and which, in 1820, had the present face substituted for the old one. In 1772, Sir William Pepperell, then residing on late Gov. Barnard's estate, presented a Bible for the use of the pulpit. April 1, 1800, the trustees of Eliot School voted to accept the petition to open a road through the twelve acres (Eliot land) back of our meeting-house, which was done accordingly the beginning of November following, called Eliot Street. 1811, the first tomb was built in our cemetery. November 15, 1818, Mrs. Abagail Brewer gave by will certain lands on Jamaica Plain for the support of a female school, under the direction and control of the trustees of Eliot School. Principal of her donation estimated at near three thousand dollars. 1821, trustees of Eliot School commenced the sale of trust lands. March 17, 1823, the parish voted to purchase of the Eliot School Trustees, at the price of one thousand dollars, the ground on which stand this church, burial-ground and parsonage. And in December 31, 1829, the church voted to contribute nine hundred dollars from its funds towards the liquidation of that debt. May, 1829, our Sunday School commenced its operations under Miss Lucretia Williams, superintendent. April 1, 1835, Thomas Street, so called in honor of Hugh Thomas, a benefactor of the school, was laid out. September 26, 1836, the burying-ground was enlarged for location and construction of new tombs. January 17, 1838, the Village Hall, for lyceum lectures, &c., first |