Old South Methodist Church (2B) - Persons who owned the covenant

We can learn about the religious lives of Reading’s enslaved people through published church records. Compiled into book format, the church records of Reading’s First Parish Church begin in 1648 and most years are marked with a short summary of key events that occurred in the church.

The church records reveal that many of Reading’s enslaved people were part of the Christian community that was the heart of the town.

Before we read excerpts from these records, a few explanations are in order. When we hear of “persons that owned the covenant” it means that the person made a profession of faith and agreed to follow church rules. We will also hear use of the term negro, this is terminology that is outdated and no longer used to describe Black persons. Lastly, be aware of the term “servant” which in the 18th century was synonymous with slave or enslaved person.

From “The Church Records of the Old Town of Reading, Mass”

Persons that owned the covenant:

Feb 25th 1727: Priscilla a negro of Justice B. Pools

March 14, 1736: Primus, Negor Servt of Mr Joseph Dammon

Ownd ye Covt & was Baptized.

Persons that have owned the covenant 1738

Mar 19th: Rose a Negro servt. of Benja.Brown

Ownd ye Covt & was Baptised.

June 11th: James Negor Servt. of Timp. Nicolls

ownd ye Covt. & was baptised.

Octo. 29th: Meriah Negro Servt. to Mrs Stow Ownd ye

Covt & was baptised.

Persons that have owned the covenant 1741

Octo 25th: London Negro Servt to Capt Eaton Own'd

ye Covt & was Baptised.

Novr 22nd: Titus Negro Servt to Thos Green Own'd

Covt & was Bapd.