Page:History of Gardner, Massachusetts (1860) - Glazier.djvu/155

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Town History.—Ecclesiastical History.
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pliance with his request, he was dismissed Feb. 23d, 1842.

A call having been extended and accepted by Rev. William B. Stone, the same council that dismissed Mr. Lincoln, proceeded to ordain and install him.

Mr. Stone's pastorate was eight years; during that time there were seventy-six additions to the church; he left this people in September, 1850, in consequence of ill health.

Rev. D. C. Frost preached as a supply one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Grosvenor, who only remained a few months.

The church then secured the services of Rev. A. Stowell, who continued their pastor five years. Thirty-six were added to the church during that time.

Dec. 7th, 1857, Rev. J. W. Healy was installed as pastor of this church, and was dismissed, at his own request, July 11th, 1859; during his ministry there were thirty-five additions to the church by profession, and twenty-six by letter.

Rev. Samuel J. Austin was installed pastor of the church Dec. 8th, 1859. The church now numbers two hundred and eight.

The following covenant was adopted in 1847, during the period of Mr. Stone's labors.