Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/300

238 THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON. In February, 1832, a series of special meetings, conducted by Rev. Giles Pease, resulted in the addition of a goodly number to the Church, During several months in which Mr. Pease was acting pastor, the attention of the Church was given to long neglected church discipline. In 1835 Rev. Thomas VViiliams was installed, and after a troubled pastorate of nearly three years, during which the chronic dissensions increased, he was dismissed. Rev. Benjamin R. Allen was installed September 26, 1838, and dismissed in September, 1842. Rev. Charles Peabody was installed June 21st, 1843. A Council called April 7th, 1846, to dismiss him, adjourned to May 5th, after '• enjoining on the Pastor and Church the duty of ministering the government of Christ's house in disci- plining the delinquent members in the Church." The coun- cil decided that the pastoral relation " should not be dis- solved," and adjourned. Another mutual council was called October 6, 1846, which granted the dissolution, commended Mr. Peabody, and deeply deplored the condition of the Church. They ad- monished the brethren "of the necessity of immediate and thorough discipline in the Church, in order to their con- tinued existence. As a council we record here our solemn conviction that the very name of this Church must in a few years be blotted out of the map of our Zion, unless affec- tionate, determined, thorough discipline is enforced in this Church." Rev. Forrest Jefferds, as " stated supply," began his labors November 21st, 1847, ^^^^ closed May 20th, 1851, after a peaceful pastorate. Rev. Silas S. Hyde was called August 14th, 185 1. He accepted, but his installation was deferred until the exten- sive alterations in the meeting-house were completed. The sounding board, the high pulpit and the galleries were taken down, and the whole interior and exterior were remodelled. It was dedicated December 9th, 1851. On the following