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[3]

Some thynges of ye olden tyme.

Dr. Alexander McKenzie.
The ancient records of the First Church in Cambridge are very interesting but are not a complete account of all that was done here in the early days. The church was founded in 1636 and the oldest record is very near that date. There are some items of interest which not only tell us what was done, but give us a glimpse of some of the methods of that period.

In 1638 Roger Harlakenden died. The record spells the name Harlakingdon —— they were not very particular about their spelling in those days. He left a legacy of £ 20 to the church. This appears to have been paid in 1640 by Herbert Pelham, who married the widow Harlakenden, in a young cow. For three summers the milk was given to different persons-brother Towne, brother John French, sister Manning; and in 1643 the cow was “yeelded to Elder Frost for his owne,” but her value had shrunk to 15.

This is only one sign of the care which the church had for the poor, and it illustrates, also, the simplicity of the times.

Here are a few records of disbursements:--

£s.d.
Given to our brother Hall toward the rearing of his house that was blown down100
For the refreshing of brother Sill in time of fayntnes sent him 4 pints of sack024

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