History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

236 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1751.
Lightning Strikes the During tlie Slimmer of 1751, the meeting-
Meeting-House. liouse was struck by lightning, and was
considerably damaged. The lightning
struck the weathercock, and ran down the spire to the
ground. Whether it was considered a direct visitation of
the Providence of God frowning upon the people for dismissing
their pastor, is not recorded. Doubtless there were
those who took that view of the matter. A question arose
whether a new weathercock or a vane should be procured,
to surmount the steeple. Economic considerations prevailed,
and the committee was ordered to obtain whichever
was the cheaper. A weathercock was purchased at a cost
of £10.13.
The Pulpit Supply. The coiiimittee appointed to supply the
pulpit was diligent in its work, and during
eighty-seven Sabbaths, immediately following the dismissal
of Mr. Edwards, there were but seven in which there was
no preaching. Mr. Edwards preached twelve Sabbaths in
all, but not consecutively, for he says that he only preached
when the committee could obtain no one else. Mr. Pierce^
of Hadley, was employed ten Sabbaths between July 22'^,
1750 and February 18"\ 1751. He did not always preach
here, however, but on several occasions arranged an exchange
with other clergymen in the county. Rev. Mr.
Frink of Rutland, preached about eight Sabbaths, to February.
1751. Major Hawley, in a letter to his brother
Elisha, thus alludes to the efforts to obtain preachers : —
•'They have no candidate for Mr. Edwards place. Mr. Frink
preached two months, to good satisfaction, but he was not with us on
probation. Capt. Wright was sent to the Jerseys for a Mr. Arthur,
but he was sick and died soon. Mr. Wright rhen obtained through
Prest. Burr of New Jersey College, knowledge of Mr. Farrar.d, a graduate
last (;oinmencement. He was highly recommended by President
Burr," but Mr. Hawley thought he "must be very fresh not having
been licensed when Mr. Wright was in the Jerseys." "Our estate,"
he continues. " is very melancholly whoever is in the mistake, either
Mr. Edwards or y" people, yet surely our loss of him and y difficulty
we meet in endeavoring for a candidate are tokens of the great displeasure
of the Almighty. May God be merciful to its." ^
1 Josiah Pierce of Hadley was a graduate cif Harvard College, removing to Hadley,
where he was employed as town clerk and teacher. He sometimes preached,
though he does not appear to have heeu ordained.— History of Hadley, p. 553.
2 Hawley MSS., Lenox Library, N. Y.