Church controversies.
Subject
Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Scope Note: Variants: Church conflicts, Church disputes, Church fights
Found in 10 Collections and/or Records:
Abington, Mass. First Church records 1714-1949.
Collection
Identifier: RG4969
Abstract
The First Congregational Church of Abington, MA was established in 1711 and in addition to the 1st Church there were three additional churches founded in the same town: 2nd church of south Abington, now Whitman, 3rd church of east Abington, now Rockland, and 4th church at North Abington. The First Church in Abington also housed a Sunday school that was established in 1818 and is thought to be one of the oldest Sunday schools in the country. The motto of the church is "None too old to study...
Dates:
1714-1949
Barnstable, Mass. West Parish Church records, 1639-1853.
Collection
Identifier: RG5285
Abstract
The history of the West Parish Church in Barnstable, Massachusetts, dates back to 1616 with the formation of the non-conformist Southwick Church. In 1634 the leader of the church and many of its members traveled to Boston and in 1639 settled in the newly incorporated Barnstable where they formed the first church in Barnstable. In 1717 the town of Barnstable was split into a West and East Parish; the West Parish Church was the successor church to the earlier Barnstable church. Construction of...
Dates:
1639-1853
Beverly, Mass. Third Congregational Church records, 1833.
Collection
Identifier: RG0018
Abstract
The Third Congregational Church in Beverly was gathered in 1802. In 1837, the church would be reincorporated as the Dane Street Church. The items in this collection are related to the dismissal of Rev. David Oliphant in 1833. Includes information on the petition to have Rev. Oliphant removed, his response to those that sided with him, an analysis of who Rev. Oliphant sold pew rights too, and some other financial information.
Dates:
1833
Cleaveland Family papers, 1742-1858.
Collection
Identifier: MS5355
Abstract
John Cleaveland (1722-1799) was an early leader in the "separatist" Christian movement. His career can be traced to a conflict with the administration of Yale College, at which he was a student. Refusing to repent for attending a separatist congregation, he was expelled from the college in 1745. Subsequently he served as a separatist minister in Boston and at the Chebacco Church in Ipswich. He also served as a military chaplain in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution....
Dates:
1742-1858
Lancaster, Mass. First Church of Christ letter of complaint, 1779.
Collection
Identifier: RG0109
Abstract
The town of Lancaster and the First Congregational Church in Lancaster were established on November 28, 1653. The second meeting house was constructed in 1684 and the third meeting house was constructed in 1706. The fourth meeting house was constructed in 1743. Rev. Timothy Thayer was ordained in 1793; a member of the Unitarian movement, he liberalized the church during his pastorate resulting in some members withdrawing to form the Evangelical Congregational Church in 1839. The fifth...
Dates:
1779
Newbury, Mass. First Church ecclesiastical council meeting minutes, 1670.
Collection
Identifier: RG0937
Abstract
The town of Newbury, Massachusetts, was first settled in 1635. The First Church was gathered in 1635 and construction on the first meeting house was completed the same year. In 1743 a group of parishioners left to form the First Episcopal Church. Between 1635 and 1806 five meeting houses were constructed. The fifth was destroyed in fire in 1868. The sixth, and final, meeting house was constructed in 1869. The First Church joined the United Church of Christ in 1961 and in 1967 the church was...
Dates:
Record Keeping: 1670.; 1853
Newburyport, Mass. First Church disunion records, 1743-1770.
Collection
Identifier: RG0131
Abstract
The Third Church of Newbury was formally gathered in 1726. In 1743 a group of parishioners left the church to more closely follow the teachings of George Whitefield and form the First Presbyterian Church. In 1764 the town of Newburyport was incorporated and the Third Church became the First Church in Newburyport. In 1794 the Parish voted to be incorporated as the First Religious Society. By 1825 the church was already aligned with the Unitarian denomination. The church continues to serve the...
Dates:
1743-1770
Pittsfield, Mass. First Church of Christ records, 1764-1864.
Collection
Identifier: RG5411
Abstract
The First Church of Christ in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was first organized in February 1764. Thomas Allen was called to be the first minister of the church and he was ordained as pastor on April 18, 1764. Construction on the first meeting house was completed in 1770 and construction on the second meeting house was completed in 1793. Thomas Allen’s political beliefs resulted in a schism in 1809 which resulted in the formation of the Second Union Church. The churches reunited in 1818 under...
Dates:
1764-1864
Salem, Mass. Tabernacle Church records, 1743-1858.
Collection
Identifier: RG5122
Abstract
Tabernacle Church of Salem, originally known as Third Church of Salem, was formed after a split from First Church in 1735. This collection contains the early records of the church, including meeting minutes, pew taxes and apportionments, and financial records. Of particular note are records pertaining to ecclesiastical council proceedings.
Dates:
1743-1858
Sturbridge, Mass. Separatist Congregational Church personal records, 1749-1762.
Collection
Identifier: RG0971
Abstract
The Separatist Church in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, was formed in 1747 after 15 members of the Congregational Church in Sturbridge left the church. The separatists refused to pay ministerial taxes and in response the town aggressively attempted to collect the taxes by forcibly taking possessions, livestock, and imprisoning at least 5 of the separatists. In 1749 the Separatist Church was reformed as the Baptist Church in Fiskdale. This collection include personal records relating to the...
Dates:
1749-1762