USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > History and manual of the Second Congregational Church and Society, of Palmer, Mass., 1847-1895 > Part 1
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Gc 974.402 P18pa 1847564
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01145 8210
1
4484
HISTORY AND MANUAL
OF THE
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH
2nd.
AND SOCIETY,
OF
PALMER, MASS.
1847-1895.
PREPARED BY THE PASTOR AND CLERK.
" "T'is greatly wise to talk with our past hours, And ask them what report they bore to heaven." -YOUNG.
PALMER, MASS .: PRESS OF C. B. FISKE & COMPANY. 1895.
D 284,464.7
1847564
HISTORY and MANUAL.
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Palmer Von./
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH And SOCIETY.
PALMER, MASS.
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SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historymanualofs 1847palm
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Second Congregational Church, -
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Frontispiece
First Church in Palmer, -
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Portrait of Rev. Thomas Wilson, -
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Portrait of Rev. J. Vaille, I. D., -
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Portrait of Rev. B. M. Fullerton, D. D.,
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Portrait of Rev. Pleasant Hunter, Jr., D. D.,
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Portrait of Rev. H. W. Pope,
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Portrait of Rev. F. E. Jenkins, - -
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CONTENTS. .
Preface, -
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Historical Sketch.
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The Second Congregational Church. -
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The Diaconate,
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Clerks of the Church, -
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Church Edifice, - - - |
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Palmer Depot Church Corporation, -
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Church Officers for 1895, -
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Sunday School, -
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Sunday School Officers and Teachers for 1895,
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Our Course of Bible Study,
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Music, -
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Young Peoples' Society of Christian Endeavor,
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Junior Society of Christian Endeavor, -
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Senior Circle of King's Daughters, -
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Men's Sunday Evening Club, -
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Ladies' Benevolent Society, -
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Lend-a-Hand Club, -
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The Ecclesiastical Society,
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Worship-Order of Services,
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Beneficiaries, - - -
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Form of Admission, .-
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Confession of Faith, -
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Constitution and By-Laws,
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List of Graduates before connection with our Church or Sunday School, 40 List of Graduates after connection with our Church or Sunday School, 42 List of Teachers, - 44
List of Ministers, -
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List of Physicians, - - -
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- List of Lawyers, -
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List of Students now in Course of Study, Summary,
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Historical List of Church Members, -
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List of Present Members, -
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Addenda, -
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Intellectual Life of Our Church,
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PREFACE.
The past year marks an important epoch in the, history of our church, in that it became a corporate body and made many changes in the letter, if not in the spirit of its creed, in its mode of government and in its several departments of work. The above changes, coupled with the fact that the records of the church were lost in the burning of Holden's Block, Jan. 28, 1894, seemed to demand the preparation of a new manual. June 7, 1894, the church voted to have a new manual of the church prepared and pub- lished under the charge of the Pastor and Clerk.
On account of the loss of the records, the editors have thought it advis- able at this time to preserve as much as possible of the past history of the church for the benefit of the future, and have made the historical sketch and other data quite complete. Should it be found that any names have been omitted from the historical list, it will be due to the loss of the records as above noted.
In preparing the work the code of By-Laws and the Course of Bible Study have been elaborated by the Pastor, while the remaining portion has fallen to the hand of the Clerk.
REV. FRANK E. JENKINS, Pastor. O. P. ALLEN, Clerk.
Palmer, Mass., May 6, 1895.
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Historical Sketch.
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THE FIRST CHURCH IN PALMER.
HIE early settlers of Palmer, like those in other New England towns, were mindful of their religious duties, for as soon as they were established in their rude homes they erected a meeting house, which was first occupied in November, 1735. In order to give the reader some tangible idea of the appearance of . the first church in Palmer, we have been to some pains in obtaining a cut, taken from a drawing made by Miss Isabel Gordon of Springfield, under the direction . of Dr. W. H. Stowe, which has restored the building as nearly as possible from plans and descriptions found on the old town records, and kindly loaned by Dr. Stowe for this purpose.
As there were a number of rival sites on which to locate the building, the matter was determined by lot, the Rev. Mr. Harvey officiating after solemn prayer, by which means the location was fixed at the Old Centre. This first meeting house was a plain structure indeed, measuring 30 x 36 feet, and one story high. It was without ceiling or plastering, and furnished. no means for warmth in the cold season. The only external adornment was the singular emblematical design placed in the gable over the front entrance, peculiar, it is said, to the Scotch Presbyterians. For more than three-score years this miniature house was the Shiloh of Palmer, around which revolved the religious and political life of the town, and where the momentous matters of church and state were discussed and decided. It was used for a place of public worship and town meetings until 1798, when it was sold and a new and larger church was built and located near the former one and dedicated the same year. This later edifice remained until a few years ago, when it was sold and torn down. Just when the first
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HISTORICAL. MANUAL, SECOND CONGREGATIONAL. CHURCH.
church in Palmer was organized the records do not indicate, but probably about 1730. The first settled minister was Rev. John Harvey, who was ordained June 5, 1734. For want of a better place the services were held under the spreading branches of a white oak tree near Cedar Swamp meadow. Ile resigned the pastorate in 1748.
The next pastor was Rev. Robert Burns, who was settled in 1753, and as his ministrations were not satisfactory he was dismissed in 1757. Then followed the notably long and successful pastorate of Rev. Moses Baldwin, extending from 1761 to June 18, 1811. He was a faithful and earnest pastor. He died in Palmer Nov. 2, 1813, aged 81. At the close of Mr. Baldwin's pastorate the town voted to change the form of church govern- ment from that of the Presbyterian, under which it had existed some 80 years, to that of the Congregational.
Mr. Baldwin's successor was Rev. Simeon Colton, who was ordained and installed June 18, 181. The records show that one hundred and twenty members were added to the church during his pastorate, which closed by his request in 1821. He was followed by Rev. Henry II. F. Sweet in 1825, whose short and useful life was closed by death in 1827.
Rev. J. K. Ware was settled in 1827 and remained until 1831, followed by Rev. Samuel Backus in 1832, who asked for a dismission in 1841. Rev. Moses K. Cross was settled in 1842, and proved a very acceptable pastor. Ile remained until 1849, when failing health caused his resigna- tion. He still lives in the enjoyment of a hale, hearty okl age, in Waterloo, lowa. It was during his pastorate that the old meeting house was abandoned and the church divided, as narrated below.
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The Second Congregational Church.
T HE opening of the Western, - now the Boston and Albany, - Railroad about the year 1838, created a new village center at the station. Business and population increased rapidly ; the old Centre began to show signs of age; the village of 'Thorndike was becoming a power in social and civil affairs, and as a natural result each of the two new villages claimed a right to special religious privileges.
In 1847 an amicable division was effected, Rev. Moses K. Cross remaining with the mother church, and fifty-four members withdrawing, with a view of forming a new church at the Depot Village. The Second Church was organized April 1, 1847, by an Ecclesiastical Council called for the purpose, with a membership of fifty-seven, which number was. increased to sixty- nine before the close of the year. For nearly a year the church had no pastor, but the desk was supplied by Rev. Dr. Ely of Monson, and others. In January, 1848, the church by unanimous vote extended a call to Mr. Thomas Wilson to become its pastor, and on Feb. 29th he was ordained and installed pastor. Mr. Wilson was born in Paisley, Scotland, June 15, 1822, and came with his father and family to REV. THOMAS WILSON. Lowell in 1829. He fitted there in the high school for college, graduated at Dartmouth in 1844, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1847. He remained with the church in Palmer until July 1, 1852, when he asked for a dismissal on account of inadequate support.
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HISTORICAL MANUM. OF THE
During his pastorate forty-six members were added to the church. His ministry was a very successful one, and he left his first charge respected and beloved by all. He removed to Westford, Mass., where he was installed May 4th, 1853, and dismissed Feb. 13th, 1856. Then he received a call to become the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Stoughton, Mass., where he was installed March, 13, 1856, and dismissed March 13, 1876. On account of ill health he rested from ministerial labors for nearly a year, then assumed the pastorate of the Congregational Church in Eaton, N. Y., March 25, 1877, where he remained until about two years ago, when he deemed it best to retire to a well-earned rest from ministerial labor, to Waterville, N. Y., where he now resides. After the retirement of Mr. Wilson the church was without a pastor for some two years, but was able to secure the services of Rev. W. W. Belden for most of the time.
In September, 1854, the church extended a call to Rev. Joseph Vaille, D. D., of Somers, Ct., to become its pastor ; the call was accepted, and on Dec. 7th, 1854, he was . installed the second pastor. Dr. Ville was born in Hadlyme, ('t., July 28th, 1790. He graduated at Yale in the class of 1811, and was ordained to the ministry Feb. 20, 1814, and had his first settle- ment in Brimfield ; his second in Portland, Me., for three years ; after which he received a second call to Brimfield ; then for four years was a successful solicitor for Amherst College ; then was pastor in Somers, Ct., where he was installed Ang. 6th, 18,45. . His REV. JOSEPH VAILLE, D. D. pastorates covered thirty-seven years prior to his settlement in Palmer. After a pastorate in Palmer of about thirteen years he was dismissed at his request Feb 12th, 1868. Ile was elected a Representative from the Palmer District to the Massachusetts Legislature, and died in office Feb. 22, 1869, leaving an honored name as a rich legacy to the people he loved so well. Dr. Vaille was a true gentleman of the old school, dignified, but with a heart full of sympathy and tenderness. Ile was quick at repartee, and enjoyed genuine wit in
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others. His memory is still gratefully cherished in the parish he presided over so long.
Rev. Bradford M. Fullerton was ordained and installed the third pastor Feb. 12th, 1868. Mr. Fullerton was born in Bridgeport, Ct., April 13th, 1837. He graduated: at Amherst in 1861, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1865. After graduating he was engaged in editorial work on the Worcester Transcript and the Hartford Post : a few months each, and on the Norwich Bulletin two and one-half years. After a successful pastorate of more than thirteen years he was dismissed at his request July 6th, 1881. During his charge one hundred and ninety-five members were added to the church, largely the result of re- vivals. Besides his pastoral cares REV. BRADFORD M. FULLERTON. : Mr. Fullerton took a large interest in public affairs, being for many years an efficient member of the school board. In his retirement the parish lost an efficient pastor and a man of scholarly attainments. Soon after leaving Palmer he accepted a call from the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Waltham, where he remained until the fall of 1893, when on account of failing health he resigned the pastorate. The faculty of Amherst College conferred upon Mr. Fullerton the deserving title of D. D. in 1801.
After Mr. Fullerton's resignation the church remained without a pastor for nearly two years, the desk being supplied by different preachers:
Rev. Pleasant Hunter, Jr., the fourth pastor, was ordained and installed June 7th, 1883. He was born in Wiseburg, Md. He was graduated from the Boston University, and from Hartford Theological Seminary in 1883. After a successful pastorate of three years he was dismissed at his request July 25, 1886. Mr. Hunter, during his brief ministrations, had won a large place in the hearts of his people and was allowed to go with keen regret. On leaving Palmer he became the pastor of the Central Congregational Church at Newtonville, Mass., then accepted a call to the Presbyterian
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Church in Newark, N. J., and later became the pastor of one of the largest Presbyterian Churches in Minneapolis, Minn., where he still remains. He has also had con- ferred upon him the title of b. D. by Princeton College.
Rev. Howard W. Pope, the fifth pastor, was installed Nov. 3d, 1886, Hle was born Jan. 21, 1849, in New Haven, Ct. Ile was grad- uated from Yale in 1871, and fiom Vale Theological School in 1874. Ile was ordained and installed 1 pastor of the Congregational Church in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1874, where he remained until he REV. PLEASANT HUNTER. accepted a call to become pastor of the Congregational Church in Manchester, Ct., in 1881. From this church he was dismissed at his request in 1886. He was dismissed from the Palmer church at his request May 23, 1892, and accepted a call from the Congre- gational Church in Somersworth, N. IL., where he remained until April, 1894, when he resigned, to accept the position of assistant secretary of the International Christian Workers' Association, with headquarters at New Haven, Conn.
Rev. Frank E. Jenkins, the sixth and present pastor, was installed April 19th, 1803. He was born REV. HOWARD W. POPE. in Walton, N. Y., Nov. 26, 1854. He graduated from Walton Academy in 1874, from Williams College in 1878, and from Hartford Theological Seminary in 1881. He commenced his pastoral work at Charlton, Mass., where he was ordained, May 18th,
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1881. Resigning his charge there in August, 1882, he removed to South Coventry, Ct., where he remained until December, 1886, when he engaged in the work of the American Missionary Associa- tion, which included missionary work among the mountain whites of the South, and service as pastor of the Congregational Church and principal of the Williamsburg Academy of Williamsburg, Ky. ; was field superintendent of the A. M. A. schools and churches in the Southern States, and became pastor of the People's Congrega- tional Church in New Decatur, REV. FRANK E. JENKINS. Ala., Jan. 1, 1890, which pastorate he resigned in 1893, on accepting the call to the Palmer church.
The order of exercises observed at the installation of Rev. Frank E. Jenkins was as follows :
Anthem.
Invocation.
Rev. J. S. Butler, Three Rivers. Rev. E. B. Blanchard, Thorndike.
Scripture Lesson.
Hymn. . . Choir and Congregation.
Sermon. Prof. C. S. Beardslee, Hartford Theological Seminary.
Solo. Prayer of Installation.
Mrs. A. D. Norcross.
Charge to the Pastor. .
Right Hand of Fellowship.
Rev. S. G. Buckingham, D. D., Springfield. Rev. M. S. Howard, Wilbraham. Rev. F. S. Hatch, Monson.
Anthem.
Charge to the People.
Closing Prayer.
Doxology.
Benediction.
Rev. F. E. Jenkins.
Rev. 11. W. Pope, Somersworth, N. H. Rev. C. H1. Hanks, Springfield.
In concluding this outline sketch of our church, I may be pardoned for adding some thoughts germane to the subject which could not properly be given in the body of the sketch. Counted by years, our church is not an old one, for its existence is embraced within the scope of half a century, and my personal knowledge of it covers but 35 years.
The founders of our church have all joined the great majority, save one (Mrs. Eliza W. Breckenridge). The membership of the church has
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HISTORICAL MANUAL OF THE
nearly changed since I first knew it ; a new generation has filled the places made vacant by those who have gone to their reward or to other churches ; ten only remain who were members 35 years ago ; these changes convey their own story, how fully death and removal have done their work. With all its changes our church has been happy in its choice of pastors; all have been men of scholarly attainments, trained in collegiate and theolog- ical institutions ; they have come to us well fitted to perform the work assigned them. They have been actuated by that safe spirit of conservatism which has led to success. Under their leadership our church has been a progressive one. Thirty-five years ago the okl-time methods obtained in some degree. During the pastorate of Dr. Vaille he preached three sermons each Sunday, and occupied nearly all of the time at the mid-week meeting, calling occasionally on one or two of the deacons to lead in prayer ; no others were expected to take a part. But as if to atone in some measure for the formal prayer meeting, the Rev. Doctor was a frequent visitor among his parishioners, and carried joy wherever he went by his genial presence and words of cheer. Mr. Fullerton had broken away from the stereotyped past and introduced a new order of things ; not only the male portion, but the gentler members were urged to take an active part in the prayer meeting. This was a great innovation, but the church entered into the spirit of it with great benefit to all concerned. ..
In former times it had not been thought wise to urge the youth to become members of the church, much less for them to take an active part in public worship, but the change for their benefit in our church has been a progressive one. At first it was thought that the Sunday school was doing all that could be expected, but at last the Young People's Meeting was established, led by some one especially adapted for the work ; then came the Endeavor Society, the best of all, which society is now the hope of the church ; then followed the Junior Endeavor Society, the grand results of which the future years alone can tell. Under our present pastor the methods for work in all departments have been broadened, and plans laid for better work than ever before, which, with God's blessing, must tell for good.
Our church has long been noted for its encouragement of legitimate intellectual efforts in other lines, outside of strictly religious work. And this is right, for the mind should be fortified with a correct knowledge of history, science and philosophy, which, with spiritual experience, goes to make the complete intellectual man and woman. No Christian, who can command the opportunity, ought to plead ignorance of the leading matters
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SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
which agitate the world of thought. Our pastors and many of our members have been noted in their leadership in our village societies, organized from time to time for intellectual pursuits. With one exception these societies have been undenominational, and participated in by members of all our churches. This is right, for it serves to break up that narrowness of feeling which otherwise might be engendered. These societies, in their way, have done much good, quickening thought, broadening the understanding, and inspiring the young to search for themselves in new fields of knowledge, and draw them away from vain pursuits. I know personally of those whom these societies have inspired to overcome many difficulties, and given collegiate and theological training. It is laudable for the church to enter into this field, and help lead the rising generation into all fields of useful knowledge, thereby showing she has a sympathy broad enough to include all that is useful and ennobling.
THE DIACONATE.
For many years the Deacons were chosen for life, or during their membership in the church, but during the pastorate of Mr. Pope this custom was changed, and the deacons have since then been chosen for a term of four years each. The following is a list of those who have filled the office of deacon since the organization of the church :
Benjamin Converse, chosen April 9, 1847.
Lebeus Chapin, chosen April 9, 1847.
Wilson Brainerd, chosen 1851.
Calvin Nutting, chosen 1851.
Henry A. Moore, chosen 1867.
Freeman S. Foster, chosen 1869.
Hiram Converse, chosen 1869.
Alfred E. Park, chosen 1883.
George F. Brown, chosen 1883.
W. A. Breckenridge, chosen 1887.
C'has. W. Bennett, chosen 1887.
Geo. H. Hastings, chosen 1888.
James B. Shaw, chosen 1894.
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HISTORICAL MANUAL OF THE
Under our new corporation rules, adopted in 1894, these four Deacons were elected Jan. 3, 1895 :
W. A. Breckenridge for one year, term expires Jan. 1, 1896.
C. W. Bennett for two years, term expires Jan. 1, 1897.
J. B. Shaw for three years, term expires Jan. 1, 1898.
G. H. Hastings for four years, term expires Jan. 1, 1899.
CLERKS OF THE CHURCH. 1
The Clerks of the church have officiated as follows : A. V. Blanchard, 1847 ; Rev. Thomas Wilson, 1848 10 1852; S. H. Hall, 1852 to 1854; A. Blodgett, 1854 ; Rev. J. Vaille, 1854 to 1868 ; Rev. B. M. Fullerton, 1868 to 1881 ; S. H. Hellyar, 1881 to 1885 ; Rev. P. Hunter, Jr., 1885 to 1886 ; O. P. Allen, 1886 to the present.
THE CHURCH EDIFICE.
When the church was first organized, meetings were held in McGilvray's hall in the Depot Village, then just starting into life and activity. It soon became apparent, however, that a more commodious place was imperatively needed. Two rival sites were offered as gifts on which to build a church ; one by Col. Cyrus Knox, near the present Ridge's Food factory, and the other by Capt. A. N. Dewey, and the latter was chosen. As early as October, 1846, a paper had been circulated for the purpose of obtaining subscriptions to 160 shares of stock at $25 per share, for the building of a church. In a short time the whole amount was taken and about $2500 paid in. The stockholders were to rent the church to the society at a rate of not more than 8 per cent on the cost thereof, which amount was to be divided as a dividend among the stockholders.
'The corner stone of the church was laid with appropriate ceremonies in the month of May, 1847, by Rev. Dr. Ely of Monson. The church was dedicated Wednesday, December 22d, of the same year, " to the worship of God, by appropriate solemnities, viz :- Invocation and reading of the scriptures by Mr. Thomas Wilson (licenciate ) ; introductory prayer by Rev. C. B. Kittredge of Monson ; sermon by Rev. E. Russell of Springfield ; dedicatory prayer and benediction by Rev. Dr. Ely of Monson. The
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exercises were exceedingly interesting, and an additional zest was given to them from the fact that they occurred on a day hallowed by such sacred association to every lover of the Puritans. The sermon on Psalm 96 : 6, 'Honor and majesty are before Him, strength and beauty are in His sanctuary,' was characterized by that bokl, vigorous and manly style for which the preacher is distinguished."
The company, called "The Palmer Depot Church Corporation," which was outside of the church society, had incurred something of a debt in the erection of the church, and in 1853 the building was sokl at auction to satisfy a claim and was bid off by D. F. McGilvray for $2495. In 1854 the church was purchased by the Ecclesiastical Society, by whom it has since been owned. The original cost of the church was $5000. In 1870 the church was thoroughly remodeled at a cost of nearly $8000, and was rededicated February 23, 1871. A few years later a pipe organ was put in by subscription at a cost of $1500. In 1886 the unsightly vestry was remodeled and put into tasteful shape at a cost of about $800. In 1876 a parsonage was erected on the church grounds, at an expense of $4000. In 1889 substantial sidewalks approaching the church and parsonage were laid down, and paid for by funds devised by the late Mrs. Maria Warner of Palmer.
ORGANIZATION.
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH FOR 1895.
PASTOR. Rev. Frank E. Jenkins. DEACONS.
W. A. Breckenridge, G. II. Hastings,
C. W. Bennett, J. B. Shaw,
O. P. Allen, Clerk ; J. H. Tuthill, Treasurer.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE CHURCH.
F. E. Jenkins,
J. H. Tuthill,
W. A. Breckenridge,
G. H. Wilkins,
C. W. Bennett,
Mrs. S. C. Hunt,
G. H. Hastings,
Mrs. C. W. Bennett,
J. B. Shaw,
Mrs. Joseph Kenerson,
O. P. Allen,
Miss Anna I. Fisherdick.
I. H. Gager,
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AUDITOR. G. 11. Wilkins.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE CHURCH.
J. B. Shaw, H. G. Loomis, L. H. Gager.
COMMITTEES.
Committee to Welcome Strangers-C. W. Bennett, G. H. Hastings, J. B. Shaw.
Committee to Visit Strangers and the Sick - Mrs. G. H. Wilkins, Mrs. J. B. Shaw, Mrs. W. H. Hitchcock, Mrs. F. B. Pope, Mrs. S. H. Hellyar, Mrs. J. C. Wing, Mrs. G. H. Hastings.
Committee on Decoration - Mrs. J. B. Shaw, Mrs. John Sedgwick, Miss Flora Studley, Clarence Wing, Robert Studley, Albert Shaw.
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