Under colonial rule, Truro was required to engage a minister “to preach the gospel” before incorporating as a town. The Reverend John Avery answered the call in 1709. After Mr. Avery’s death in April 1754, pastors from Wellfleet, Eastham, and Chatham manned the pulpit until July of that year, when Truro schoolmaster Charles Turner was offered the job, on condition that he finish his religious studies. Thirteen months later, Mr. Turner begged off, citing his ill health and “by reasons of his parents dissenting,” “having been reimbursed twelve pounds, sixteen shillings for his pastoral services.”
“At a meeting of the church January 9, 1755, it was voted to extend a call to Reverend Caleb Upham, and a salary of fifty-three pounds, six shillings, eight pence per annum was voted him, with a settlement of eight pounds and use of the parsonage.
“February 10, a meeting was called to hear Mr. Upham’s answer, when it was voted that inasmuch as many of the inhabitants are called away from the meeting by news of a whale in the bay, this meeting was adjourned…”
Mr. Upham was duly appointed at a salary of sixty pounds, “in addition twenty cords of wood per annum, to be cut and delivered to his door…” – His tenure lasted without controversy until April 30, 1775, when the following occurred.
“At a Chh [Church] Meeting. The Pastor addressed the Chh as follows:
Brethren you have all heard of the scandalous Insult which I suppose was offered me and my Wife, the Night following the second day of February last—it is expected you manifest your disapprobation of the base action, as well for the Vindication of your own Honour as a Chh of Christ, as in Justice to mine and my Wifes much injured Characters. I am your grieved tho affectionate Pastor, Caleb Upham.
The Vote was passed by the Chh in following terms:
Brethren If you utterly disapprove the vile Insult offered your Pastor and his Wife the Night following the second day of last February by some evil minded person or persons unknown, as being a false scandalous and abusive Insinuation tending to disturb the peace of this Chh, and greatly injure the Characters of your Pastor and his Wife you’re desired to manifest it—
Which vote was passed by the Chh in the affirmative.
Upon which the Pastor said
Brethren As you have voted your disapprobation of the Insult offered me and my Wife, I shall with divine Leave appoint a sacrament the first convenient Opportunity, tho by administrating it I do not mean to hinder my obtaining proper Satisfaction from the authors of the Insult whenever discovered.
Attest Caleb Upham Pastor”