Springfield Weekly Republican

Ordination in Springfield.

The examination of Mr. William W. Merriam preparatory to his ordination to the Baptist ministry, took place at the lecture-room of the First Baptist church Wednesday afternoon. The council was composed of the pastors of the following churches, with two delegates from most of them: First and State street, of Springfield; First and Central, of Chicopee; First and Second, Holyoke, Central of Westfield; Northampton and Agawam. The council organized by the choice of Rev. A. N. Avery, of Holyoke, moderator, and Rev. Ira D. Clark, of Northampton, clerk. After the usual preliminaries, a lengthy written statement of his theological belief was read by Mr. Merriam, covering all the points usually contained in such papers. His views on baptism, and particularly infant baptism, were expressed in original and unequivocal terms, and created some amusement among the reverend members of the council. The Baptist was assigned the earliest origin of all denominations, and John the Baptist claimed as the original founder of the church. Sprinkling, pouring, and infant baptism were styled relics of popery, and the latter a dangerous and pestilent heresy. After the reading of this statement of faith the examination was commenced by Rev. Dr. Ide, on the doctrine of infant salvation, and participated in by Rev. A. K. Potter of this city, Rev. Ira D. Clark of Northampton, and other gentlemen. The discussion afterward tended to the doctrine of total depravity, annihilation and other standard theological tests. The council voted, however, that the examination had been satisfactory, and the ordination took place in the evening. The exercises were opened by reading the Scriptures by Rev. Dr. Ide of this city, and prayer by Rev. A. N. Avery of Holyoke. The sermon was preached by Rev. John Jennings of the Westfield Central Baptist church, from the text, "Be strong in the Lord." An excellent charge to the candidate was given by Rev. A. K. Potter of this city, the ordaining prayer was offered by Rev. R. K. Bellamy of Chicopee, and the right hand of fellowship was given by Rev. G. Colesworthy of Agawam.