Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, with a genealogical register

“ [289] church. Pursuant to this vote, the brethren were desired by the moderator to write and bring in their votes, which they did; and upon the view, numbering and declaring the vote, Mr. Henry Flint, Mr. Jabez Fitch, and Mr. Nathaniel Appleton were the three persons agreed to be nominated, out of which the brethren should proceed to an election. Accordingly the moderator desired the brethren of the Church to bring in their votes for the choice of a person to settle in the ministry in this place, viz. one of three before nominated persons. Pursuant hereto the church brought in their votes in writing. 5. Upon sorting and numbering the votes, Mr. Nathaniel Appleton was by the church elected to the work of the ministry, in order to the taking upon him the pastoral office as God shall open the way thereunto. This was by a great majority; the votes for Mr. Appleton being 38, and the votes for Mr. Flynt but 8. The moderator declared to the church their election of Mr. Appleton as aforesaid. 6. It was proposed that those that had not voted for Mr. Appleton in writing might have the opportunity to manifest their satisfaction with the vote that had passed, that the brethren would manifest that they chose him as aforesaid by lifting up their hands, which was complied with, and it is said that there were but two that had acted in the foregoing votes that did not hold up their hands.” After appointing a committee to ask the concurrence of the town with the church in their choice, “the moderator concluded the meeting with returning thanks to God for the peaceable and comfortable management of the affairs of the church. Laus Deo.” ¹ The town concurred, and Mr. Appleton was ordained Oct. 9, 1717. Dr. Increase Mather preached and gave the charge; Dr. Cotton Mather gave the right hand of Fellowship; and they, together with Rev. Messrs. John Rogers, of Ipswich, and Samuel Angier, of Watertown, imposed hands. Ministers and delegates of eleven churches in Boston, Charlestown, Watertown, Ipswich, Newton, Lexington, and Medford, “were invited,” says President Leverett, “and were all present except Mr. Gibbs, who could not attend by reason of indisposition. The solemnity was carried on with as great decency and good order throughout as has been ever remembered at any time in any place. Laus Deo.”

The town, having concurred with the church in the invitation to Mr. Appleton, voted, May 27, 1717, that “the sum of one hundred ”