[25]
1738
An attempt having again been made in the latter part of 1737 to ask the advice of the neighboring clergy with respect to settling a minister, on Feb. 21, 1737-8, Mr. Daniel Rogers was chosen minister. The result was unsuccessful.1 Hence early in the following year, Wednesday, Mar. 21, 1738-9, was set apart for a day of fast, and Rev. Messrs. Hancock, Appleton, Storer and Turell were again desired to assist with counsel, advice, &c. Mr. Thomas Prentice was therefore chosen minister (April 23, 1739) by unanimous vote, and his answer desired with convenient speed; but it was a negative one,2 and hence on May 21, 1739, the day Mr. Prentice's answer was publicly read, Mr. Cooke was unanimously chosen minister.1739
The organization of the church was accomplished. The particulars are found in ‘A Church Book given to the Second Church in Cambridge by Samuel Cooke, Pastor.’1739, May 21. The Second Precinct in Cambridge made choice of Mr. Samuel Cooke for their Pastor. July 2. Mr. Cooke accepted of their invitation to the work of the Gospel ministry. Sept. 9 (being Lord's day). A Church was gathered in this precinct by the Rev. Mr. John Hancock of Lexington, the members of it having first at their request obtained a regular dismission from the several churches to which they belonged and a recommendation to the good work of imbodying in a church state in this place. The following Covenant was solemnly entered into by the several members, being publickly read, and subscribed by the males, the females giving their consent by standing up, as their names were called.
