" The first Sabbath after the ordination," says Mr. Mead, " (viz.) May the 24th, I took a vote of the church whether we should join with the western association in Fairfield County ; voted in affirmative the whole church, except Matthew Northrup. Accordingly I joined as a member of said association on the next Tuesday, viz., the 26th of May, there being an Association of said county then setting, a consociation as yet not meeting the church. As yet have not joined, but propose so to do as soon as opportunity does present."'5

The following items relate principally to election of officers and adoption of Church government :

"At a meeting of said church, on July 2, 1762 -- 1. Voted our Brother Solomon Close be our deacon.

" 2. Voted our Brother John Bouton be our deacon also.

"September 14, 1752. New stile at a meeting of said church. Voted to contribute four pence a man and three pence a woman for one year ensuing ; also agreed on it by the desire of the church to have the Sacrament administered once in two months."

" September 8, 1757. At a meeting of the church to hear reasons of Deacon Bouton's resigning his office, after hearing and agreeing he had power to Lay Down, the church proceed to a new choice ; again make choice of the deacon, he desires three weeks from the Lord's' Day ensuing for consideration, the petition granted the deacon accepts."

a Sir. Mead was not, perhaps, aware that the Rev. Ebenezer Dibblee, claimed Salem as belonging to his parochial can', under charge of the Venerable Propagation S u i :>' and had performed services here soon after his return from England iu 174$. He formally inducted his successor, Epenetus Townsend, 29th of May, 1768.