VI. TRANSIENT SUPPLIES. PASTOR PRO TEM, PASTOR, AND SENIOR PASTOR AT HARRISON SQUARE CHURCH. JULY 1, 1875 — JUNE 1, 1890. VI. TRANSIENT SUPPLIES. PASTOR PRO TEM., PASTOR, AND SENIOR PASTOR AT HARRISON SQUARE CHURCH. JULY 1, 1875-JUNE 1, 1890. ETWEEN the above dates Mr. Bradlee located BETW three periods of his ministry: the eighth, from July 1, 1875, to March 5, 1876, when he supplied various pulpits, decided not to accept a call to Walpole, Mass., and had temporary care of the pulpit of the Unitarian church at Melrose; the ninth, when he was pastor pro tem. at Harrison Square, March 5 to June 4, 1876; and the tenth, June 4, 1876— June 1, 1890, when he was pastor and senior pastor at Harrison Square. This church was formerly called the "Third Unitarian Society in Dorchester." He writes thus of the Harrison Square Church: "In 1848 it was found that the church on the hillthen under the loving care of that faithful and apostolic shepherd, Nathaniel Hall-was overflowing with numbers, and hardly large enough to accommodate the residents of all parts of Dorchester, and having no room for the new-comers who were perpetually choosing their homes in this delightful locality; and so, too, many of the members of the old parish, who lived a great distance from the sanctuary, felt more and more the difficulty of attending service and the need of a temple nearer to their own dwellings. And at that time, also, political excitement ran high, and holy men belonged to all of the parties, and were equally conscientious and earnest, and of strong minds and of loving souls, and yet diametrically opposite in opinion, and advocating measures that could never be reconciled. And mainly for these three reasons I have named the overflowing of the ancient meeting-house, the great distance of the homes of some of the old parish, and the mighty but sincere political antipathies - the Harrison Square Church came into life." This church having been somewhat reduced in numbers, Mr. Bradlee offered to take charge of it, and his kind offer was gratefully accepted; and in a letter from the Committee of the church we find these words: The committee feel that they cannot adequately express their thanks to you for thus undertaking an arduous work for the good of the society in its time of need, but hope by their future co-operation to testify, so far as they can, to their sense of your kindness. This temporary service continued until June 4, 1876, when he began his service as regular pastor of the church in accordance with a call sent to him May 8. The three months during which he had already supplied the pulpit had been fruitful of good results. With the call came the following resolution: Resolved, That the thanks of this society be presented to the Rev. C. D. Bradlee for his very generous and acceptable service in supplying this society with regular preaching during the present three months. Mr. Bradlee in his reply said, "Of course, I am aware that our success will depend not upon my efforts alone, nor upon the earnest co-operation of my people, but mainly and chiefly will be secured by the grace and help of Almighty God; and to that benignant and holy help I commend both myself and you and all with whom I shall in future be so closely connected." Of the three months' supply at Harrison Square he speaks as "preparation for the grand work at Harrison Square,― ploughing the field with a joy and success no words can describe." It was thought best not to have a great service of installation; but arrangements were made for a recognition service, in accordance with strict Congregational usage, on the first Sunday of the new pastorate. Writing of this service, Mr. Bradlee says: "Sunday, June 4, 1876, I was recognized as pastor of the 'Harrison Square Unitarian Society.' The church was quite full, and the pulpit and the altar were beautifully adorned with flowers. Former members of the Church of the Redeemer and of the Christian Unity Society placed on the altar two splendid baskets of flowers." The services were as follows: Organ. Hymn. Invocation by the pastor elect. Sermon by the pastor elect. Text, Matt. v. 33, 34. "Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, . . . but I say unto you." |