But “Parson” MacSparran, as he was lovingly called, was not alone the friend and associate of the well-to-do. His love for the poor and lowly was unbounded, and this sympathy found ample reciprocation in the hearts of the humble.
In order to understand the general character of Narragansett society at that period a few words may be necessary. Amos Perry[[11]] says: “The honor of being, par excellence, the Narragansett country is generally conceded to Charlestown and the original ‘Kings Towne,’ whose united area is 19.8 per cent. of that of the entire state.” To make it plainer, it should be said that the “Narragansett country” comprised that portion of the state of Rhode Island now known as Washington county. It was so called because it was the seat of the Narragansett Indians.[[12]] In 1654 it was named King’s Province, which in 1729 was changed to King’s county. In 1781 that monarchical designation was dropped and the name Washington substituted.
The county now comprises the towns of Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Richmond, and Westerly. The “Narragansett country” had long existed as an independent jurisdiction. Finally, the king in council promulgated his decision uniting the “King’s Province or Narragansett” to Rhode Island. For long years after, the name “Narragansett country” was still affectionately retained in the nomenclature of that district. In Dr. MacSparran’s time there were numbers of wealthy landholders in Narragansett. Many of these owned thousands of acres each and had great herds of cattle and flocks of sheep. Many, too, were slave owners and slave dealers. As late as 1804, Rhode Island had fifty-nine vessels engaged in the slave trade, notwithstanding an act was passed in 1787 forbidding the traffic.[[13]]
For a long period the slaves were practically barred out of the church. They were neither instructed, baptized, nor admitted to the communion. To bestow such favors upon them was considered inconsistent by their masters. But MacSparran, the great-hearted Irishman, combated this error. He emphatically protested against this unchristian exclusion of the slaves and ultimately prevailed in their behalf.
The Narragansett landholders and their families lived in princely style on their vast estates. They were a hospitable race, cordial in their welcomes, warm and lasting in their attachments. Fond of horse racing, they raised a breed known as “Narragansett Pacers,” which became famous throughout the country. Fox-hunting was also a favorite sport.
The glebe house occupied by Dr. MacSparran for over thirty years is yet standing. It overlooks the Pettaquamscutt river. This river is really a connected series of pretty lakes. Mr. Hazard once termed them the “Killarneys of New England.” Dr. MacSparran taught many pupils at his home, imparting a knowledge of the Greek and Latin classics and various other branches. Writing in 1752, he says: “Mr. Thomas Clap, president of Yale college, was my scholar when I came first to these parts, and on all occasions gratefully acknowledges his receiving the first rudiments of his learning from me, who, by the way, have not but a modicum to boast of myself.” Dr. MacSparran has left this significant entry: “In Bristol, New England, February 5th, 1722, were imprisoned in jail twelve men of the Church of England for refusing to pay for the support of the Presbyterian teacher, viz.: Mr. Nathaniel Cotton.” Others were imprisoned in 1724 for a like offense, and Dr. MacSparran says: “I have inserted this line in the church records, that the age to come may not forget the opposing spirit of New England Presbyterians.” The following extracts from the records of St. Paul’s church may prove of interest:
“July 11, 1721, four children were baptized at Providence, viz.: Mary Bernon, and Eva Bernon, Anna Donnison, and Elizabeth Donnison, by Rev. Mr. McSparran.
“November 8th, 1724. Captain Benoni Sweet was baptized at St. Paul’s, in Narragansett, by the Rev. Mr. McSparran.
“April 22d, 1730. In Westerly, Narragansett, Christopher Champlin and Hannah Hill, daughter of Captain John Hill, were joined together in holy matrimony by the Rev. Mr. McSparran, at the house of the said Captain John Hill.
“May 2d, 1730. Daniel Updike, Attorney-General of the Colony and Lieutenant-Colonel of the militia of the Islands, was baptized by immersion (in Petaquamscut river) by the Rev. Mr. McSparran, in presence of Mr. McSparran, Hannah McSparran, his wife, and Josiah Arnold, church warden, as witnesses.