Ecclesiastical History. 47 



study. Side by side with his ministerial work it held its place in his 

 regard, without, however, causing his earnestness in the minister's work 

 to flag. He was an earnest and uncompromising opponent of American 

 slavery, at a time when slavery had many and powerful apologists in the 

 Northern States. Although a ' hard hitter ' in the field of theological 

 controversy, he was no sectarian." 



Under Mr. Russell's ministry in the Second Parish the follow- 

 ing covenant was adopted July 7, 1844 : — 



" With a deep sense of our need of improvement and with a desire of 

 performing all our religious duties through the means of grace provided 

 for us in the mission of Jesus Christ, whom we receive as the Messenger 

 of Truth from God, we enter into the communion of his disciples; ear- 

 nestly praying that by imitating his example, and by imbibing his spirit, 

 we may walk together in the fellowship of the Gospel." 



During the interval between the first and second terms of Mr. 

 Russell's ministry, Rev. Mr. Pickering was the settled minister 

 from August to November, 1837, and Rev. Lyman Maynard from 

 April, 1838, to May, 1842. 



Rev. John Prince was employed as minister for five months in 

 1850, and Rev. B. V. Stevenson from April, 1851, to March, 1853. 



Rev. William T. Clarke was minister for four years from 1855 to 

 1859. The Church and Parish were reorganized and united under 

 Mr. Clarke's administration, the following covenant being adopted : 



"Acknowledging our dependence upon the Infinite Father and the 

 obligations that rest upon us as rational, moral, and immortal beings, 

 earnestly desiring to perform all our duties and extend the reign of truth 

 and righteousness among men, with Jesus for our teacher and guide, we 

 unite with this church, that by mutual assistance and co-operation in 

 spiritual things we may make that improvement and accomplish that good 

 in the world which as individuals we cannot effect." 



Rev. Jedediah J. Brayton was minister for two years ending 

 in 1860, Rev. Robert Hassel for three months, Rev. J. L. Hatch 

 for two years, from 1862 to 1864, Rev. Mr. Sawyer for one year, 

 and Rev. John Savary, a graduate of the Harvard Divinity School 

 in 1860, for two years until 1868. 



Rev. Allen G. Jennings was ordained minister of the Parish June 

 9, 1870, and continued in the office until 1881, a period of eleven 

 years. Mr. Jennings was a faithful and energetic pastor, and was, 

 during the last nine years of his ministry, the Superintendent of 

 the public schools of the town. By his labors in the cause of edu- 

 cation the schools of the town were much improved, and he laid 

 the foundation for that further development which has brought 

 them to a high rank among others in the Commonwealth. 



