Page:History of Gardner, Massachusetts (1860) - Glazier.djvu/150

146 Mr. Lincoln continued to be the minister of the Congregational Church for six succeeding years; when, what was then called exclusive measures were adopted by the ministers of this association; the more liberal part taking one side and calling themselves Unitarians, while the more Calvinistic, taking the opposite side, were known by the name of Orthodox. The liberals being in the majority, retained the meeting-house; Mr. Lincoln taking the Orthodox side, with a part of the church, left and formed a new society, called the Evangelical Congregational Society of Gardner. The separation of the church took place in the autumn of 1830. In December following, Rev. Jonathan Farr was ordained over the Congregational Church, and was dismissed, at his request, in July 1833.

Rev. Curtis Cutler accepted an invitation to become their pastor, and was ordained Oct. 30th, 1833; his pastorate was about five years. Mr. Cutler was dismissed at his own request, though granted with reluctance by his people.

The pulpit was then supplied for a time by Rev. G. W. Stacy, who labored with much success in the cause of his Master.

Rev. W. H. Fish was their next supply, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Banister. From