MAGLHHersey
HENRY HERSEY 1796-?
- MM before 1826, Fraternal
- Grand Chaplain 1828, 1829
BIOGRAPHY
From Proceedings, Page 1873-278:
REV. HENRY HERSEY, BARNSTABLE, Unitarian. 1828, 1829.
He now resides in Hingham. He was born in that town, August 16, 1796. His early education was obtained at the town schools and Derby Academy of his native place. After leaving his home, he was two years in a store at Harvard, Worcester County. On the failure of his employers, he returned to Hingham, and was fitted for college under the instruction of Rev. Joseph Richardson. He entered Brown University as sophomore, in September, 1817. On graduating, Sept. 1820, he entered the Theological School at Cambridge, graduating in 1823, having conferred on him the degree of A.M. by Harvard University. While in the School, during winter vacations, he taught school in Bridgewater, Scituate and Cohasset.
In March, 1824, he went to Barnstable to supply the pulpit of the East Congregational Society for six months; at the end of which time he received a unanimous call to settle with them in the ministry. He accepted the invitation, and was ordained Oct. 6, 1824. On account of failure of voice and general prostration of health, he asked for and received a dismission from the pastorship, April 1, 1835. He then returned to Hingham; and after two years of recreation for the recovery of his health (he marrying in the mean time), he, at the desire of his parents, then far advanced in years, gave up the ministry, built a house and devoted his time principally to agricultural pursuits, varied by services as Justice of the Peace, by acting on School Committee during ten years, and, during that time, also serving as a bank director. In 1835, he was a member of the convention for revising the Constitution of Massachusetts.
While a member of the Theological School, he was initiated into Masonry at a Lodge in Cambridgeport (probably in Amicable Lodge), where he received the First and Second Degrees. He was raised in the Lodge at Barnstable, and was its Chaplain during his stay in that town. He preached a sermon at the celebration of St. John's day, June 24, 1826. While at Barnstable, he derived much pleasure in attending the meetings of the Lodge, the members of it being enthusiastic in promoting the success of the institution. They had lectures, and one of the lecturers was, he thinks, from Boston. He believes the influence of the Lodge was most beneficial; its members being very attentive to each other in cases of sickness and distress, the example producing, at the same time, a happy effect on the public. Of late years, owing to his age, he has given but little attention to Masonry.
