Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, with a genealogical register

“ [286] ordained him their pastor, and at their and his desire performed that office of respect and love on Nov. 25, 1696. He that holds the stars in his right hand was pleased to uphold him in the pastoral office some months above twenty years. I am glad to see his character already published, and that it is done without hyperbolizing, that which is there said of him being true, and nothing but justice to his memory. Where shall there be found a suitable successor?” This surely does not indicate such a jealousy and antagonism between Dr. Mather and Mr. Brattle as some historians have represented.

It would seem that hitherto, very few pews had been constructed in the meeting-house; instead of which there were long seats appropriated to individuals by the “seaters of the meetinghouse.” But early in Mr. Brattle's ministry, March 14, 1697-8, the town “voted, that there should be a pew made and set up between Mr. Samuel Gookin's pew and the stairs on the southeast corner of the meeting-house for the family of the ministry.” Soon afterwards, July 11, 1698, “on the motion of Mr. John Leverett and Doctor James Oliver, the Selectmen do grant that they shall have convenient place in the meeting-house for the accommodation of their respective families; the place or places to be set out to them by the Selectmen, the Elders consenting thereto: the places which they desire are on each side of the east door of the meeting-house.” This meeting-house, having stood somewhat more than fifty years, had become dilapidated, and the inhabitants of the town voted, July 12, 1703, “that they apprehend it necessary at this time to proceed to the building of a new meeting-house, and in order thereunto, there was then chosen Capt. Andrew Belcher, Esq., Thomas Brattle, Esq., John Leverett, Esq., Col. Francis Foxcroft, Esq., Deacon Walter Hastings, Capt. Thomas Oliver, and Mr. William Russell, a committee to advise and consider of the model and charge of building said meetinghouse, and to make report of the same to said inhabitants.” Final action was delayed until December 6, 1705, when it was “voted that the sum of two hundred and eighty pounds be levied on said inhabitants, toward the building a new meeting-house amongst them.” Thanks were voted by the town, March 8, 1707-8, to “the Honble Andrew Belcher, Esq.,” for his gift “toward building our new meeting-house.” The same generous benefactor had previously given a bell, as mentioned in a former chapter. On the 28th of September, 1703, the College granted sixty pounds “out of the College Treasury towards the building a new meeting-house;”