Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/298

236 THE HISTORY OF BAEEINGTON. ton in 182 1, after four years of very active, useful service. The church remained without a pastor for nearly two years, a period of loss in church work and growth. The following doggerel verses on the various changes of the period reflect something of the spirit of the times : Barrington Congregational Society. In the town of B., Sir, there does dwell, A corporation known full well. Their funds are large, their pay is small. Whene'er their preacher, he does call. It was made up in '98, As you may see by their own date. They ordained then their own townsman. Which we will call by the name of Sam. He lasted there for eighteen years. But always had his doubts and fears, About how he should get his paj', Until the Lord called him away. Then as for meeting they had none, Unless a traveler chanced to come. Then they all met on the Lord's Day, To see what travelers had to say ; At length there to these Deacons came, A man of learning and of fame. I'll place him up in his true light, And his name we will call Wright. This man he suited everything. And the subscriptions did begin, P'or to raise money, for to call This Wright to be installed. The next step, then, was for to find Sufficient men all of one mind, To come with all their hearts' delight. And re-install what they called Wright. About four years, we understand, This work went on, all hand in hand. A reformation then took place, Which set the people all in haste; And after sixty had been joined. The Priest and Deacons tried their minds. And found that they could not agree, And trouble was their destiny. His salary was much behind. Five hundred dollars at that time;