USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Brimfield > Brimfield Congregational Church Records - Vol. VII 1930-1947 > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15
Church Records 261- III. 1930- 1947.
of
0000000xxxxxxxxxx
NATIONAL/
"The Right Books to Write In"
National No. 761
Made in the following Rulings
Day Books, Units
Day Books, without Units
Journa's, U'nits Journals, without Units
Cash Books, Units
Cash Books, without Units
Journals, 3 Columns, Units D. E. Ledgers, Short Accts., with Index, Units D. E. Ledgers, Whole Accts., with Index, Units Records, Margin Line, without Index 300 Pages and upward, Spring Back and Hubs
TO DUPLICATE THIS BOOK :- Order No. 761 State Ruling indicated by arrow Give Thickness wanted Made in 150, 300 and 500 Pages
MADE IN U.S.A.
1
Brimfield Congregational Church
Records 1930 - 1947
1
Table of Contents
Records of Meetings pp. 2-250
Record of Events pp. 251-270
Record of Baptisms - Marriages - Deaths pp. 271-240
Index
pp. 291 -300
2
articles of Faith
Articles of faith to which persons who apply for membership are expected to subscribe. I. We believe that there is but one God, the Creator, Preserver, and moral Governor of the universe; a being of infinite power, knowledge , wisdom, justice, goodness and truth; the self-existant, inde- pendent and immutable fountain of good. We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God ; that they are profitable for doctrine, four proof, and for instruction in righteousness, and that they are our only rule of doctrinal belief and religious practice. III We believe that the mode of divine existence is such as lays a foundation for a three- ford distinction in the God-head - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and that these three are on in essence and equal in power and glory IV He believe that God has made all things for himself; that known unto Him are all" His works from the beginning; and that He gove- rw all things according to the council of His own will."
VI The believe that the divine law and - the principals and administrations of the divine government are perfectly holy, just and good; and that all rational beings are bound to approve them. VI We believe that God at first created man in His own image, in a state of rectitude and holiness; and that he fell from that state by transgressing the divi command in eating the for iddin fruit.
VII
He believe that in consequence of the apolicy the heart of man in his natural state in destitute of holiness, and in a state of positive disaffection with the law character
3
articles of Faith cont .-
and government of God, and that all min previou et egeneration, are dead in trespasse a
VIII We believe that Theist, the Son of God, has made atonement for sin; that he is the only He der mes of sinners; and that all who are saved will be altogether indebted to the grace of God for their salvation.
IX We believe that all men are a like indisposed to accept the offers of mercy made in the Gospel, and therefore, none of our race would report belie and be saved, without the special influences of the Holy Spirit in subduing their wills and renewing their hearts, according to God's eternal purpose in bist Jesus.
X We believe that those who cordially embrace hist will be kept by the plone of God the High faith un to salvation! XI
We believe that watchfulness over the life, holy meditation, a conscientious attention upon public, family and secret worship, together with the steady practice of righteousness, truth, sincerity and charity, and of sobriety, chastity and temperance, are the indispensable duties of every Christian!
XII The believe that there will be a general resurrection of the bodies, both of the just and injuste
XIII We believe that all mankind must one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ, to receive a just and final sentence of retribution, according to the deeds done in the body; and that at the day of judgment the state of all will be unalterably fixed; and that the punishment of the wicked and the happiness of the righteous will be endless.
We believe that Christ has a visible
XIV
church in the world into which nome but a believer in the sight of Lot, and nome but visible believers in the sight of man, have a right of admission?" XV We believe that the sacraments of the New Testament are baptism and the Lord' Suppe! (over)
4
articles of faith
that believers in regular church, standing wney can consistently partake of the
only and they have holde can
this is invited to the ordinarie
Form of Admission to the Church Beloved Friends :- In uniting with this Che h you avow an agreement with its belief of the histian doctrines as recorded in its Manual, and you enter into an especial covenant with hrist dits members.
you are now baptized (those of you who have not been in infancy), to signify how God, according to His mercy, saved you tough the washing of regeneration and screwing of the Holy Spirit. How will now enter with us into med Covenant.
Covenant.
I you do now in the presence of God and man. enter into Covenant with Jehovah, consecrating yourselves to Him, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to fear love and obey Him forever. 11 Relying on the gracious assistance of the Spirit, and taking the Scriptures as the rule of your life, you promise to walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Gospel, as becomes the followers of the Lord Jesus III you promise to attend conscientiously to all the duties of religion, both of public or private nature, whether of the closet, the family, or the sanctuary. you promise to forsake all such company, or amusements, or practices as are inconsistent with the requirements and spirit of the Gospel, and to live soberly, righteously and godly in this evil world.
5
Covenant- cont .-
I you cordially unite you self to this huset of Christ, promising to exercise towards its med is or receive from thein, a kind and faithful watch, according to the directions of our Lord in the 18th chapter of Matthew in order that your Christian character may be perfected and your usefulness in the cause of the Redeemer promoted.
VI you promise to do what may be in you power to promote the purity peace and brokke ity of this Church, and to give of your substance as the and prospero you for theextensionof his kingdom in the world.
VII Church arise:) The, the epove, on repart, recei you into surecom marion, and promis to watch you write mention affection, ever regarding you as members of the body of Christ, who is head overall things to the church. The do this, praying that both, you and we may have wisdom and grace to be faithful in this Covenant, and to glorify God with the holiness that becomes His houses forever. Imen. Do you the covenant?
6
Standing Queles- Adopted aneasy 194.
Section 1. Officers of the Church. Article I The officers of this Chuck, shall be a Client, Treasures, and auditor, who shall be chosenat each annual meeting; also four Seasons, who shall be chosenone each year for a team of Low pass, and a standing committee of five, ponadlitigatafour Seasons and the Pastor, as stated supply. Alt officers shall be chosen! by ballot.
Article I
Any vacancies may be filled at any regular church meeting, notice having been give- of the same at least two weeks previously. It is desirable and is recommended that every wenn wir of the Church over twenty-one years of ege should be amember of the Law.
Section. .. Admission of Members. Article I Applications for Church membership, either by letter or upon profession, may be made to the Standing Committee, who shall constitute the examining committee; but all members of the Church are entitled to participate in the examination.
Article I * names of applicants who shall have beense la mined respecting their knowledge * hoopted by of the doctrines and duties of religion and ... of nichtheil personal piety and applicants by
1, 1917. etter upon commendation of the standing mrritter, share become ironie du porvat the husband recentena to the follow
-e words
"Do you cordially join yourself to this as a Church of Christ, engaging to submit to : government and discipline, to seek its and purity; to love and help its members a. your brethren; to uphold, together with us, it public worship and ordinances, and so Line as in you lies to maintain the spirit
V
Standing Aules-cont. -
of unity in the bands of peace, trusting for help in. our saviour jesus hust, who gave Himself fo wis , that He might redeom us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people zealous
L of good works :
Do you the covenant and engage?" These names shall be read it the public service on the Sabbath at least two eerste previous to action being taken'upon the by the Church.
Article I
The foregoing conditions having been complied with the Church shall take action on the names thus presented at the public service on the Sabbath, or at any business meetingund the bo sons so accepted becomesmentes for giving pellier went to the current, articles of faith, and rules of the Church.
Section 3 Article I
Dismission
Letters of dismissions and recommendation may be granted by vote of the Church at any meeting regularly called, provided the written request has been read at a public service two weeks previous.
ArticleTI
Persons in good and regula, standing with us who wish to leave this church for me another denomination with hamand not interchangeletters of des mitos and warm mandaten may cile certificates of unimpeachable Christian character, andwhen evidence is located I. their having been admitted to others, member ship our watch and care over them shallceas!
Section4. Church Discipline Article I In aneffort to promote the asdes med purity of the busch, the rules laid down Matt, 18: 15-17 shall be faithfully observa Article I The absence of exident verbes from ml communion for the seas biti met explicit reasons apparent or assigned, and of nos resident members for two years without auch
8
season 1, 1hace 201 cacauxe pt
1
5
Served the hard , citron peration shall then
Section 5
Lord's Supper
It shall be mas custom to case metric
sted, aber tis atory lecture,
away, Maler, May,
Section Meetings
Article The Church shall hold an annual, meeting during the wackelt preceding Nether fost As wath in january, at which time the rules shall we read, and a lekerst I tomuvor adserik, and conditions of the
Church.
Article I There may be a meeting for the trans- acti not any business at the close of my prepar atory lecture! Artiel. 11 Special business meetings of the Church may be called by the Standing Committee, who shall give reasonable notice of the same at any Church service Seven members of the Church shall to sequisite for a quorum to do business.
Article IV.
Amiusd The Standing Committee shall give 1, av. the church merlides at least 7 days notice previous to any church meeting ingera te calling a" pasto.
stical Changes
Arti: . I. Theserules may be altered at any nual meeting of the Church. ArticleTI any one of these standing rules, except that relating to a quantum, may Suspended temporarily by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any meeting? the church regularly called.
Church Clerk's Report for 1930.
Jan. 26, 1930. On january 26, 1930 al meeting of the church was called by the Factor, The Hill, at the close of the morning service. Mr. Hill stated that the purpose of this creating wasto bring before the nachthe un of the Organs om mitter and to esas the Church givits consent to theeye basis for Estoy Olyan.
L
The motion was made and secon ded that the organ committee be impowered by the Church to sign the contract with the consent of the Parish. This matrix " was amended that the Church ask, the Ja ish for permission to install the organ in! the Church and to turniguess to the Beach the Organ Ford and that the Church assume the exponivity forthe remainder If the deficit."
It was voted that the sales and regulations relative to the nieche notice for a meeting be suspended so as to make this meeting, legal.
amotion was in ade and seconded that the Bleck notify the Parish lack of the action of the Church and art fava meeting of the taxin as soon as possible. Detties of appreciation uose and my the Check forthe floor tilete sotto My. There is Worth ar d. h. at this boxone
Meeting adjoint met.
Feb. 16: 130. In February 16, 1930 a meeting of the church was called to or dessby we Basto, Mr. Nel He read a letter from the First Baptist
10
1930 - cont.
Church of 1fünffiera requesting letters of
1 das glad to grant letters
flagthat M. M
anadditionalslech per hundred dallas $500 toward the organ! Voted that the Clerk send Tas. bambolain a letter of hearty thanks for The last two gifts to us.
Departed from the: Estey of the stegigant of Brattleboro, che that the con the organ is signed to installed for april 15,1930. Meeting adjourned Gladys 4. Complet, Conk.
Copy of letter sent to This. Chamberlain!
fre belfind the first Inqueque
otherstiles for your Je ne vois gif to toward our new Like Organ! he would certainly his grad to have Wa fartknown as a memorial to you but as we understand that this is not your then we shall certainly make especial devariations of your gift on our" It is largely due to your interest That ourcom mitter have been encouragent Att isent. Are we are expecting and I bing to have the organ installed -- 12/ Paste Sunday.
De ar appreciate y mov loyalty
15
11
1930 - wont ..
to the Kisimfield, Church and we in the 2020 hoping that you may tf t. j . one of the first cut es to the mer ty Ckas Thanh sincerely Gladys . anophel es.
May 4, 1430. a meeting was called to order by the Pastor, Mr. Hill, The following delegates' to the Hampden County Convention of Churches to be held at East Congregational. Church in Springfield on Wednesday May 7, 1930, were appointed: Mr. and Mrs. K. G. Campbell; Mr. Clarence B. Brown and My. Wallace ? Moore along with the pastor. meeting adjourned." Gladys H. Campbell, Clerk.
May 1, 19:30. a meeting was called to order by the Pastor, Mr. Still. It was voted that Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Campbell be appointed as delegates to go with the Pastor to represent our church at the State Conference of Congregational Churches ar Hope Church in Springfield on May 1 9,20 and 21, 1930. Motion made and carried that the lose collections taken on the last two Sundays of april 1930 be sent to the China Child Welfare Association and he also as part of our apportionment for the year.
Meeting adjourned. Gladys It. Campbell, Clerk. may 25 , 1930 . The new Estey Organ was played for the first service this morning for the Memorial Day Service. Our organist Mrs. adelaide Knowlton played and Mrs. Hester Sherman sang a solo as a special feature. The Junior Shower performed their usual duties. Gladys H. Campbell, Clerk.
1
12
1930 - cont
June 6, 1930.
This Friday evening we were very privileged in hearing a concert on our new organ. Mr. Ernest Leslie Mehaffey from New York, n. Y. was the organist . He was assisted in his program by Marguerite ! Joyce, Soprand; and Mrs Edna a. Morrison, Marimba- Xylophonist of Springfield, Mass. There was a very good attendance of towns people as well as friends from out of town. The evenings program was greatly enjoyed by all.
July 20,1930. In place of the regular morning service this morning we had a Dedication Service for the Church Organ. The Church Organist, Mrs. Knowitor played the following pieces as a part of the program OrgansPrelude "Cantilena" . Haring Stebbins Andante" - Lefebure Hely "Marche Funebre"- shopin Stasthede "Grand howin G"- William Faulkes. The organ was formally dedicated by the church members! T.v. H. E. Morrison of Springfield , Mass. Malve had charge of designing, installing. and legalating the organ was unable to Referent at this service and sent us this request, and told us some of the in testing facts about the construction
a meeting was called at the close of the church service. Mr. Hill acted as terator. In invitation was read to have our pastor and one delegate attend the installation service of Rev. ; Westfield, Mass. Mr. William S. Show I was appointed to go with the Past 1. The following delegates were also
S
13
1930 - cont.
appointed to attend the Semi- Annual Meeting the Hampden Association of Long. Churches and Ministers to be held at the Packs q. Church in Springfield on Wednesday Let. 22, 1930: - Hadis! Campbell, Vnr. B. G. Campbell, Mr. laveB. Kor Theo Knowlton and the Lastos!
It was voted that Mas. Isabel IIdes Thibadeau be re-enstated in member ships with ourchurch. Meeting adjourned. Gladys H. Campbell, Werk.
Annual Meeting- ra 2.1. 2, 1931.
Crinual maling
The annual soll call and 21931 business meeting of the First congregational Church of Brimfield was held Fri. Jan. 2, 1931. After a supper served by the ladies of the church, the members gathered, and the hymn "& God, Beneath Thy Guiding "Hand, " was sung. when'Mr. Hill led in prayer. The meeting was called to order by the Clerk. Mr. Robert Streeter was chosen moderator and then read the Standing Rules of the Church. The Roll Call was read and 60 responses were given). The clerk reported that the total, membership in 1929 was 101. During the year we lost four of our members by death; vig, Mrs. Melvin Booth, Mrs. Edward. Fairfiel !, Mrs. Lilla I. Webber and Lea. Edward. A. cost. Three others have been granted. Itt " of dismissal to other churches.". Ishas been seenstated. The total mbershif Jan. 2,1931 is 95; males 28 2 de females 67. Upon motion of Mr. Hill the churchrose in silent prayersin memory four four deceased members. Thereports of the various officers
Stastors Report.
of the church were accepted and adopted as follows I would not concerns you with the letter which killeth" but rather with the "spirit which quichene th,"there fore one or two high spots in the year must needs be considered, and most of the figures consigned to obteve and. It is rather of interest that Charlotte Pyr che on Chamberlain fare herfirstlarge gift, under my pastorate, jan 18,1930 and on Jan. 26, the church voted to sign the contract with the Estey Organ is. for our $4700.00 pipe organ Deacon Edward H. Davenports' $100.00 jeft (conditional ) was announced the next day. Mrs. Chamberlain's second gift given on Feb. ", was in memory of her father Squier tales, of whom she wrote me, Dr. Morse always said, "if no one else came to church Aquise Dyles and Aquire Wales were always there!" She told me at this time that the previous $500.00 gift was a memorial gift to the Rev. Webster K. Peirce; formany years pastor of this church and subsequently of the second ecclesiasticalsociety, much loved of his parishone 's) and the towns people.
(n) March 11, 1130 Mrs. Dr. Carrie Brown March gave an additional gift to her mother's first gift of $ 250.00; and on the 17th the work of redecor ation of the interior of the meeting house began! Mr. Frank Coolbroth began the restoration of the old and very beautiful San Domingo, mahayany pulpit.
Of special note were the gala days of the summer. The church was not closed. Decoration Day saw over 200 present and the use of the organ, pulpit and meeting house for the first time, since"all" had been started in March.
Children's Day saw the baptism of james asa adams, Jr .; Barbara Esther Brown; Lewis herbert Brown; Rolland William Brown and James norman Wesson, 3rd.
He held our first Daily Vacational Bible
S
15
School from Mon. July 28th to Sun. aug 11th. Sunday July 28th saw the clima-1 of our efforts: we dedicated the Organ to the Glory of God and Ministry of His Spirit.
(August 24 was observed as tercenten ary Sunday with olden customs revived and splendid music . The following week we invited the members of the 17th Reunion at H. F.Ul. to Divine wars hip, The sermon was delivered by Rev. Andrew Magill.
In Sept 6, 1930 we were visited with a near calamity The terrible electric storm of that Saturday night swe ptacross the valley and a bolt of lightning struck the steeple setting it a fire. As quickly seen it was as quickly put out. We are deeply grateful to Providence for the working together of circumstances so that the meeting house was saved.
The hearty encouragement of the parents of some of the young people led to the formation of a new young peoples " Christian"Society" on Sunday, Ost 19th And the furtherneed of activity by the young men brought into existence the Church Basketball Team on Nov. 15th.
It is great that people are so generous, kind considerate , and forbearing with the indiscretion of a young pastor. Surely, he has not been! too modest nortoo decorous. Only ris united striving to better our heritage, our lives and our world in our love for, neighbor and church, has kept us great of heart and sincere of purpose. Let us never lessen - but fling out our little lives into greater & greater service. The joy and peace of reconciliation are the divine injunctions on the church- this church of all has see with clear and high duty inthisregard this year. May it never be rent again, by strife; and always united with love, may it shine forth with humility and good works is the sole prayer of your youthful and none too dutiful pastor, Randolph H. Hill.
1
16
De port of Mission ary Society 1930
report of Romans Missionary Society 9.30.
Cash on hand
$ 9.45 Cash expended
5 Memberships 1.25 Schfauffler School Fund 3.00
Monthly Offerings 27. 81 Freight on box to Atlanta, Ga .. 4.18
wenten Offering 4.88 " Pleasant Hill, lenn . 3.08
Thank Offering 5.30 American Int. College 2.00
Special for flowers
5.00
Speaker's Bus Fare
2.00
Mr .. Both
Gifts Miss J. T. Brown 6.00 Flowers at funerals of &Mrs. Webber 6.00
Mrs. E. M. Brown 5.00 Mass. Cong. Conference for Missions 35.00 Total _$ 62.69.
Total - $55.26
Cash on hand - $ 7.43
Respectfully submitted
Mariana robinson Treas.
for boxes of clothing were sent in December. ( to Pleasant Hill, Tenn. One to Atlanta, La.
Ladies'
Treasurer' report of the Ladies' Benevolent Society for the year, ending ich. 29 24, 1730.
it, 150. Amount in ba kab close of year $ 80.67
(mount received during the year 250.56
(Amountexpended during the year 134.35
Amount of cash in hands of treasurer atclose of the year. $ 43.74
Mrs. H. T. Parker Areas.
Report of Secti + Treas of the Sunday school.
P. unitche Mich on hand Jan. 1, 1930-
.47 Pd. for supplies 1 st 2 qr.
$ 15.22
Rcc'd. from collections /st que 15.20 " 2nd . 13. 7 9
=
2nd 12.29 " 3 rd . 10.15
=
=
= 3 rd. 10.85 "
4th " 9.02
=
4th 16.75 Pd. for Christmas supplies 3.64.
Birthday Bank 3.40 " " Tuition Educational S.S. 4.00
$58.96 $56.82
Dal, cash on hand Jan . 1, 1931 - - $ 2.14 .
Mrs. Frederick Wisselt - Lechia- treas.
te wort of Sech + bene.
5
17
Brimfield Mass. Dec. 31, 1930 Report of money received on Church Pledges. amount pledged $ 867.70
Report of Envelope Pledges 1930 Amount paid in to date 871. 72 (Church many persons had & nato pes and Collector paid in quite regula by, that signed no pledge card Eight perso, paid in more than they pledged. Others did not fulfill their pledge. I have turn I ours to the Parish Treas. a check for #83.00 to balance to 1927 pledges. Mr. George a. agard
Miss Gladys Hebben 4.3. 00 # 83. 00
Respectfully-submitted Marion I. Robinson, Treas.
Report of Report of collection from loose change- Home election First two Sun days in month for Home Expenses) 1 st Quarter Cash Rec'd 9. 30
2 nd 3 rd =
32.67
106. 55
4th 11
19.25
"total for years $ 167.7 7
Cash Expended Mes Booth?
tel. 24 Palmer Flower Shop (Ms. Fair field) 20.00
Apr. 29 Henks Florist {This. Webber} 8.00 May 28 Johnsons Book Store
thec and book for Clerk 5.40
July 5 Palmer Flower Shop ( Mr. Davenport } 1.00
" 21 . B. MYown for Parish 2.57
Ock 3 . " E Hatch, Treas. County Tax on 101 chambers@ 15€ . 15.15 4 C.P. Brown for Jarich 91.40 11 Nov. Mrs. Fred Pisset
Communion Supplies 5.00 Dec: 16 C. D. Brown for Sarich, 14.25 Total Expended 167. 77
MarconiI. Robinson, Treas.
18
Report of report of Collection base . for the last Benevolences two or three , undays in month for benevolence 1930 1 st Quarter Cash tei'd. $ 12.50 2nd 11
23.75
3rd
11
11
4 th.
=
=
55. 35
17.75
Total $ 109.35
Cash, Expen ded
mar. 31 Mass Long Conf. for Missions $ 12.50
June 30 Mass ons. onf .. 23.75 Oct. 4 11 1 3.5, 35
11
"mur thares for tercentenary shift
20.00
Dec. 29 Mass. Cong Conf. 17.75
Way of China child Welfare. 30.00
July 10 This. E. M. Brown for American board, 15.00
Piedmont College 15.00 Lipt. "1 11 "
Total $169.35
1130 apportionment - $150.00
Said Church $89.35
Total Benevolence
Mrs. E.M. Brow 15.00 Church $ 169.35
Lomano Mission: 35.00 Homen 33.00 #134.33 $ 204.35 Short: $ 10.33 Respectfully Submitted Marian robinson, Treas.
a new Christian Ende cor Society was The only ported for med with 11, members and $ 1.25 in) treasury;
The Organ Committee's Report was Ive why the "chair man Clarence B. Brown. The auditor being absent, Mrs. Robinson existed that the books of the Church Treasurer 1. a. d been audited:
The following officers of the church were elected for the ending year: Gladys H. Campbell. Clerk MarronAl. Robinson Treasures affection Frank Gifford auditor Frederick Bissell beacon for 4 years.
Alecodo
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.