History of Fitchburg Part 16 Rufus Torrey 1865


I have already mentioned the death of Rev. Mr. Stearns, the
second minister of Lunenburg, which took place in March,
1761, in the 52nd year of his age, and 28th of his ministry.
He was much beloved by his people, who built a monument to
his memory.  They also paid the whole amount of his salary
for the year 1761 to his widow, "Madam Ruth Stearns."

The following is a copy of the inscription upon the
tomb-stone of Rev Mr. Stearns:

                "THIS MONUMENT,
        ERECTED BY THE TOWN OF LUNENBURG,
            IS SACRED TO THE MEMORY
        OF THE REVEREND DAVID STEARNS
        THEIR MUCH BELOVED AND RESPECTED PASTOR,
                WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
            IN THE JOYFUL EXPECTATION OF A BETTER
        ON THE  9TH DAY OF MARCH A.D. 1761
          AND IN THE 52d. YEAR OF HIS AGE.
                IN HIS PRIVATE CAPACITY
        HE WAS A KIND HUSBAND, A TENDER PARENT
        AN AFFECTIONATE BROTHER AND A FAITHFUL FRIEND.
                IN HIS MINISTERIAL CHARACTER
            HIS CONVERSATION WAS PURE ENTERTAINING
                        AND INSTRUCTIVE
            HIS DOCTRINES PLAIN AND SCRIPTURAL
             AND HIS LIFE TRULY EXEMPLARY.

He was adorned with hospitality, with singular prudence and
a most endearing benevolence; with a good knowledge of men
and things, with a fervent zeal for the Glory of Christ, and
the salvation of souls; and was governed by the influence of
these accomplishments.

          Help, Lord, for the Godly man ceaseth."

Immediately after the decease of Mr. Stearns, Rev. Josiah
Bridge (Harvard University, 1758) was hired to preach; and
in August of the same year, Rev. Samuel Payson, a class-mate
of Mr. Bridge, was hired.  In the following February, the
town "Gave him a call," offering him an annual salary of 80#
and 200#. "for his encouragement and comfortable
settlement."  He was ordained in Sept. 1762.  A committee
was chosesn "to make suitable provision for the venerable
Council, and other gentlemen of note and distinction who
shall attend the ordination."

Mr. Payson continued but five months in the ministry, having
died in February, 1763, aged 24.  He was a native of
Walpole, Mass.  Rev. Ebenezer Sparhawk, of Templeton, was
invited "to come and pray with the twon," and the
neighboring ministers were invited to attend the funeral.
The town also "voted to give to Miss Elizabeth Stearn,
(affianced to Rev. Mr. Payson) a neat, handsome suit of
mouring,"--"to the father and brothers of the deceased,
weeds and gloves--to his mother and half sister, veils,
hadkerchiefs, and gloves."

(to be continued)

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