The Jolly Reverend Gerrish

Rev. Joseph Gerrish (1650-1720)

The consecration of the Old Tunnel Meeting House was celebrated in 1682. The "Great Barn of Mr. Hoode" (John?) was the site of the dedication dinner, and it stood ready for a party, having been cleaned and then decorated with bows, hangings, and wreaths crafted by the young people of Lynn, MA. When the huge feast had been prepared and laid out, with ample seating provided for the children and older members of the gathering, the barn "truly did appear a meet banquetting hall."

"Dainty meats were on ye table in great plenty...bear-stake, deer-meat, rabbit, and fowls. Luscious puddings...mostly apple and berry, but some of corn meal with bits of suet baked therein...pies, and tarts,  pleasant fruits...and plenty of good cider and ye inspiring Barbadoes drink."

The older ministers in attendance enjoyed their meal accompanied by formal, sober discussion of dinner-table topics, such as the content of the dedication sermon, or the features of the fine new meeting house. But the younger pastors, encouraged by the festive surroundings and the air of special occasion, were somewhat more cheery, and it seems that Rev. Joseph Gerrish was the life of the party. Several times over the course of the evening, his table would errupt in hoots, loud conversation, and laughter, punctuated by table-thumping and hand-clapping.

"Although prudent in his meat and drink, Mr. Gerrish continued in a jovial mood, until at the height of the rejoicings, a strange disaster befell him."

“Not having his thoughts about him, he endeavored the dangerous performance of gaping and laughing at the same time, which he must now feel is not so easy or safe a thing. In doing this he set his jaws open so wide that it was beyond all his power to bring them together again. His agony was very great, and his joyful laugh soon turned to grievous groaning. The women…became much distressed for him. We did our utmost to stay the anguish of Mr. Gerrish, but could make out little till Mr. Rogers…took the head between his legs, turning the face upward as much as possible, and then gave a powerful blow and then a sudden press, which brought the jaws into working order. But Mr. Gerrish did not gape or laugh much more on that occasion; neither did he talk much for that matter.”

This story is derived from the book Yankee folk by Edwin Valentine Mitchell.

Update 5/19/2012: A people index has been created for this book

Copyright 2012 Barbara Pahlow all rights reserved