Dick Flynn's talk on July 1, 2012

Good morning.

What I will talk about this morning is taken, in part, from a research paper written by Mr. Rupert Lillie about “Customs and Practices in the 1600’s.”
It starts with:

1. The Forming of a Church in the 1600’s.
1. Organized through the “right hand of fellowship” being extended by another church – but first,
2. To start there needed to be 7 men (sometimes including the pastor) requesting organization.
3. Each man, individually, was questioned about their faith and commitment to determine if they were fit to organize.
4. Examinations could last a whole morning.
5. If approved: A service was held with their covenant being presented and signed and the “right hand of fellowship” extended. The visiting pastor gave a sermon and prayer and then all celebrated.
2. For FCW’s start.
1. First request for examination they were found not ready.
2. At the second request, on Oct 8, 1644, they were ready, the right hand of fellowship extended, and John Fiske was ordained first pastor.
3. Church Membership.
1. Had to be examined and their faith conversion was scrutinized.
2. If accepted:
1. Would receive full privileges and receive communion and,
2. Be in the “inner circle”.
3. Next outer circle were the children.
1. They were considered under the covenant & discipline of the church, but excluded from communion.
4. Other inhabitants – the outer ring
1. They had no personal or birthright to church but,
2. Colonial law required attendance at church and contribute to Pastors salary.
5. 1650’s
1. FCW established a “ half way” covenant meaning,
2. People still could not vote or receive communion but,
3. Their children could be baptized. This would pass membership onto the next generation.
6. People moving into community.
1. Refused communion and baptism’s until,
2. They first proved membership, in good standing, in another congregation & not be under censure or admonition.
3. They also needed at least one member to vouch for them.
4. Pastors
1. Among the many things they did they preached 2 sermons on Sabbath, visited the sick, gave: medical, spiritual, personal, and legal advice.
2. Depending on community salary was between $40 - $1000/year. Rev Fiske paid $40.00/year.
3. A large part of that was in labor, food, grain, and other supplies.
4. People were taxed to support & for non-payment they were punished or fined. Spinning bees were held.
5. Pastor would also sell gifts they received at weddings, funerals and baptisms.
6. Some ministers had businesses such as distillers or retailing, carpentry, or medicine.
7. Most were married before coming to a church so not to offend the ladies.
5. Deacons
1. Deacons were very important officials in church and community. Among their duties,
2. They would preach when pastor was absent.
3. On Communion Sundays they assure only those eligible received communion.
4. They also visited and prayed with the sick, in charge of church contributions, and lined out psalms.
5. In early settlements they found it desirous too have women deacons because they were better at visiting the sick.
6. Tithingmen
1. Had authority to report and punish wrongdoers of the community and,
2. Inspected taverns and reported those who were drunk or gambling.
3. They had authority to arrest those doing wrong on the Sabbath or eve of Sabbath.
4. Punishments could be: wraps on knuckles, older boys to sit with mother or younger boys, being sent to the parsonage or being punished in front of the congregation.
5. During service they would carry a pole and wrap it 3 times to start and close worship.
6. With the knobby end they would wake sleeping men and boys.
7. Women were wakened with other end which had a feather.
8. Each oversaw 10 families, enforcing the learning of catechism and church attendance.
7. The Sabbath
1. No profanity, long journeys, boat building, sports, shooting, fishing, game playing, use of tobacco near the church, or doing anything of great need was prohibited.
8. Worship
1. Calling to church was either by drums, horn, bells, guns, and even conch shells.
2. Worship lasted all day with a break for lunch.
3. Communities would sometimes have a “noon or Sabbath house” to share noon meals between sermons and get warm by fireplace. If not they would go to a members house or the tavern.
4. Meals would consist of doughnuts and cold pie, pork and peas or brown bread and cheese.
9. Seating
1. Seating in earliest days:
1. Married men and women sitting near center and,
2. Women and girls on the left and
3. Men and boys on right.
Later...
4. Single women sat on sides and,
5. Single men in back and,
6. Salves sat in gallery and.
7. Elderly and hard of hearing invited up front.
8. Seating was done by a seating committee.
9. Anyone sitting in wrong seat was fined.
10. At the end of service the men would leave first to protect women from dangers.
10. Music
1. The only songs sung in early church were the Psalms.
2. Singing was by “lining out” by deacons which was done to long after the Revolution.
3. "Lining out" was by the Deacons who would read each line before it was sung.
11. Questions of the Pastor
1. It became customary to question pastor after sermon.
2. Some say it began with Separatist churches in England with women being allowed to stand and speak.
3. The Puritans modified that to men only.
4. Later the questions had to be approved by deacons to help keep order.
12. Censure
1. During worship people were chastised for “going astray”.
2. They did have an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges which,
3. Sometimes very serious, or petty, even humorous and even tragic such as the witch trails.
4. Being done in public feelings sometimes were hurt and anger flared.
5. But because love and forgiveness were required it usually was very helpful and a positive part of the communal life.
13. Prayer
1. During prayer all would stand with arms held above their head as a way of offering.
2. These prayers could sometimes last as long as 30 minutes.

As can be seen, things were not too easy or convenient back then.