Dedham Covenant facts for kids

The Dedham Covenant was a special agreement that guided the early town of Dedham, Massachusetts. It was like a set of rules for how people should live together. This agreement said that only people with similar Puritan beliefs and community values could live in Dedham. It also created a way to solve disagreements between residents peacefully. Plus, everyone had to pay their fair share of taxes to help the town. Over time, 125 men signed this important document.

Why the Covenant Was Needed

In 1635, people in the Massachusetts Bay Colony heard rumors of a possible war with local Native American tribes. They worried that their small coastal towns might be attacked. Also, the existing towns were very close together. Because of these concerns, the Massachusetts General Court decided to create two new towns further inland: Dedham and Concord.

The first settlers were Puritans. They came to Massachusetts to live and worship freely. Even though they followed the General Court, they could set up their own local government. The first public meeting in Dedham happened on August 18, 1636. Eighteen men were there, and they signed the town covenant. This agreement explained the kind of community they wanted to build and how they would achieve it. Eventually, 125 men signed the document. By 1656, 79 men had added their names.

The settlers wanted the Covenant to last forever, guiding all future residents. While it didn't last *forever*, it was very important for the first 50 years of Dedham's history. It guided the town for a long time, even into the next generation of settlers.

Living with Shared Beliefs

The Covenant stated that only people who were "of one heart with us" could join the community. This meant people who shared the same Puritan Christian beliefs. They promised to "profess and practice one truth" based on "everlasting love." Even though the first settlers wrote it, new members were welcomed equally if they shared these community values.

People who didn't agree with these ideals, or those considered morally unfit, were not allowed to join. If someone already living there didn't follow the rules, they could be asked to leave. This rule about allowing only like-minded people helped keep the peace. Because of it, Dedham's church records show no major disagreements, no expulsions of Quakers or Baptists, and no witchcraft trials.

Having everyone share similar beliefs made it easier to live by a common ideal. The main goal was to create a godly community, hoping that God would favor them. However, Dedham was not a theocracy (a government ruled by religious leaders). Colonial law prevented clergy from holding civil government jobs. The church and the town government were mostly separate.

Solving Problems Peacefully

The Covenant required people to use mediation when disagreements happened. This meant that if two residents had a problem, they would ask one to four other town members to help them solve it. They avoided going to court and instead agreed to let others help them find a solution. This system worked so well that courts were rarely needed. They even used this method to settle arguments with other towns.

Sometimes, residents had to put the community's well-being first, even if it meant dealing with unpleasant situations. Once a decision was made, everyone had to accept it without further argument. For the first 50 years of Dedham's existence, there were no long-lasting disputes, which were common in other towns.

Who Signed the Covenant

The Dedham Covenant was first signed on August 15, 1636. Five of the signers were university graduates: John Allen, Thomas Carter, Timothy Dalton, Samuel Morse, and Ralph Wheelock.

Here are the 125 people who signed the Covenant, in the order they signed:

What the Covenant Said

The Dedham Covenant had five main points that guided the community:

1. Everyone who signed promised to believe and practice the same faith. This faith was based on "everlasting love."
2. They agreed to keep out anyone who disagreed with their beliefs. They would only welcome people who shared their values and lived peacefully. This was to help everyone grow in their faith and support each other.
3. If any disagreements came up between town members, they promised to let one, two, or three other members help them solve the problem quickly. They wanted to avoid long arguments.
4. Every person who owned land in Dedham had to pay their fair share of taxes and follow all the town's rules. This was for the good of the community and to help the town grow, especially in their shared faith.
5. To show they were serious, every new member had to sign the Covenant. By signing, they promised to follow these rules themselves and for future generations.