[Illustration: FIRST CONGREGATIONALIST CHURCH.]

He was a firm friend of Democracy. During the revolution he was a
radical Whig, and later on became an ardent supporter of Jeffersonian
doctrines. In the second period partisan feelings were very bitter in
the community. When, therefore, he gave full freedom to his thoughts in
articles published in the Pittsfield Sun, and, in accordance with a
practice more prevalent then than now, mingled political subjects with
his Sunday discourses, the Federalist members of the Congregational
Church grew restive under his pastorship. At this time, it should be
noted, Berkshire differed in politics from the rest of the State.
Matters grew worse, until a division of the parish was made and
continued for seven years. Thomas Allen died in 1811, at the age of 67.

[Illustration: METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.]

Contrary to the custom in almost every other town of the State, and
notwithstanding the statute requirements, public worship in 1809 ceased
to be supported by the town, and nearly an equality of religious sects
before the law was produced. In 1817, after the re-union of the
Congregational Churches, the parish system was revived. It should be
kept in mind that by far the larger part of the population were members
of that denomination, identifying its early history with that of the
town. Rev. Heman Humphrey became pastor, a man of scholarly attainments,
and well fitted to encourage the general longing for a complete
reconciliation.

In 1821 a great revival took place, and to strengthen the religious
interest Mr. Humphrey believed it to be essential that, so far as
possible, the town should preserve a solemn quiet, and he endeavored to