Massachusetts Spy And Worcester Advertiser

On Wednesday last the Meeting House recently erected in this Town for the accommodation of the Calvinist Church and Society, was solemnly dedicated to the service of Almighty God. The exercises commenced at 9 o'clock A. M. with the reading of select portions of Scripture and prayer by the Rev. Mr. Wisner of the Old South Church in Boston. The Dedicatory prayer was then offered up by Rev. Mr. Greene of the Union Church in Essex street, Boston; after which a sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Austin of Newport; and the exercises were concluded with prayer by the Rev. gentleman last named.

On the afternoon of the same day the Rev. Loammi Ives Hoadly was ordained Pastor over the said Calvinist Church and Society. The ordaining Council was composed of the following Ministers and their Delegates, viz. Rev. Dr. Beecher of Litchfield (Con.) Rev Dr. Austin of Newport, (R. I.) Rev. Mr. Hawes of Hartford, (Con.) Rev. Mr. Wisner of Boston. Rev. Mr. Greene of Do. Rev. Mr. Fiske of Wrentham. Rev. Mr. Dickinson of Long Meadow. Rev. Mr. Sprague of West Springfield. Rev. Mr. Mills of Sutton. Rev. Mr. Wood of Upton. Rev. Mr. Goffe of Millbury. Rev. Mr. Pond of Ward. Rev. Mr. Phillips of Princeton. Rev. Mr. Fisher of Harvard.

The services were, an introductory Prayer by Rev. Mr. Hawes; Sermon by Rev. Dr. Beecher, from Epistle of Jude 3d verse, "Contend earnestly for the Faith once delivered unto the Saints." Consecrating Prayer by Rev. Mr. Mills; Imposition of hands by Rev. Messrs. Mills, Hawes and Fiske. Charge by Rev. Mr. Fiske; Right hand of fellowship by Rev. Mr. Dickinson; address to the Church and Society by Rev. Mr. Sprague; and the concluding Prayer by Rev. Mr. Wood. The performances throughout the day, were solemn, interesting, and impressive; the Company was numerous and attentive. Both forenoon and afternoon the audience were deeply affected, and highly entertained with the "Concord of sweet sounds" produced by the Lockhart Society under the management of Mr. Salisbury of Brimfield. Never was better Musick heard in this Town, nor a performance of the kind in which Science and correct execution were more skilfully combined.

In the evening there was an Oratorio. The house was filled to overflowing. The general satisfaction which was manifested, furnishes unequivocal evidence of the merit of the performance.