Springfield 1636-1886, History of Town and City, by Mason A. Green ...

128 SPRINGFIELD, 1686-1886.
In 1667 John P3^neh()n heaiU'd-a provisional connnittee, ap[)ointed at
the Bay, to lay out lantls, admit inhabitants, and complete the town
organization at Quabauo-. Thus it happens that the first records of
Brookfield are in Major Pynchon's handwriting. In 1673 Pynchon
refused absolutely to serve on the provisional committee, and (^ua-
baug was at once incorporated as a town, under the name of Brook-
field.
John Pynchon was on the commission appointed in 1664 to receive
the surrender of New Amsterdam (New York) from the Dutch. It
is believed, however, that he only went i)art way upon his journey
when news reached him that the surrender had been made. Pynchon's
church, judicial, military, and political duties pressed heavily upon
him, but his business-like habits enabled him to carry a load which
might have overcome a strougei' man.
Rev. Mr. Horsford was a disappointment, and when Rev. Mr.
Thomson came to Springfield to preach as a candidate, he was given
(November, 1655) the " towne house " or parsonage, situated between
the lot of Thomas Cooper and Deacon Chapin, Thomson to keep the
house in rei)air. For some reason the new minister did not occupy
it, and the town had to undertake repairs at its own expense.
In March, 1656, Mr. Thomson had " deserted this Plantation," and
Deacon AVright was chosen to supply the pulpit. In February follow-
ing ]Mr. Hol^'oke and Henry Burt were called upon to carry on the
public services, Deacon Chapin being substitute. In 1657 services
were conducted by Pynchon, Ilolyoke, Chapm, and Burt, and Mr.
Pynchon was even authorized to read his " owne meditations."
Wealth did much for John Pynchon, to l)e sure ; it may have put him
on the board of selectmen, or secured his election as an associate in
the Great and General Court ; nay, it may have contributed toward
placing him upon the bench ;
nothing, however, but his gifts of mind
and heart could have induced the tSpringfield town-meeting to open
the pulpit to his "owne meditations," with Deacons Chapin, Burt,
and AV right sitting in the pews.