USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > North Adams > Addresses and papers presented at the Diamond Jubilee, 1827-1902, May 11-14 (First Congregational Church of North Adams) > Part 11
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J. P. GOODRICH.
FIRST MEMORIES OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
My first association with this church was as a pupil in Miss Rhoda Streeter's infant class. This was fifty-seven years ago, and she continued to teach the youngest class in the Sunday School until 1866 (?) when Mr. Thomas Doane reorganized the school and formed the primary department.
I do not remember one of my mates, but my teacher I remember almost as if I saw her today. I can see Miss
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Streeter now welcoming each child with a bright smile and gentle attentions to our comfort. After the prayer by Dea- con Gaylord or Deacon Munn, we recited our verses and Miss Streeter talked sweetly about them. That she loved us we knew, and that she was all goodness and loved the Jesus whom she wanted us to love and try to please we never doubted. She had the subtle influence of gentle and loving ways combined with very sincere piety, that in some way took hold of our young hearts. I am sure we all wanted her to think well of us and that helped us to try to be good children. We must have got an ideal of simple goodness from our teacher that was worth more to us than any number of facts, and as Miss Streeter had the youngest class in Sunday School for many years, who can imagine the number of germinal virtues that are credited to her ac- count in the records of character building ?
In vain have I tried to recall my successive teachers, but I remember no others definitely until I was about twelve years old. Perhaps it is my fault. I may have been pass- ing through unresponsive years, when there was no answer- ing thrill of emotion to the words and appeals of my Sunday School teachers, but from the vividness and vigor of my recollections, at periods wide apart, of those of whom I write, I am inclined to think it was the individuality of those teachers that made so strong an impression upon my mind.
When I was about twelve years old one who had recently come to our church was appointed to the class of restless roguish girls to which I belonged. How bright in memory is the picture of the new teacher as she stood before us for the first time ; the air of gentle refinement about her, the sweet but very serious way in which she took up the
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lesson and sought to bring its truths home to each heart. We were too young to reason about it, but we were won and deeply impressed, and it was not long before careless- ness and rudeness disappeared, and we were under the control of a strong mind and gracious Christian character. We were surprised into thoughtfulness by the earnestness, personal interest and love so apparent in our teacher week after week. The divine spark was in this life too, and I believe it kindled a little flame in the hearts of her pupils that was the beginning of the new life to some of them. This teacher was Mrs. Bradford Harrison.
The next whom I recall with clearness was Mrs. J. T. Robinson, for many years the teacher of the Young Wom- en's Bible Class. Mrs. Robinson was not only strongly re- ligious, and valuable in all the women's work of the church, but she was a great lover of learning, especially of history, and her ways of illuminating the Bible in all its phases, its geography, history, literary beauty and spiritual meaning, were not only full of interest and charm, but convincing to the mind. Sunday School teaching with Mrs. Robinson was a divine gift. It was using her talents for the Master, and she was ambitious to help young women to grow into the full stature of true Christian womanhood.
She was a stimulating teacher; her methods made a demand on every pupil to brace up to genuine mental ef- fort, but it was more than this; it was a challenge to thoughtful consideration of life and duty, indeed-a constant invitation to become a sincere child of God. She was con- servative, but tolerant and just to every honest opinion, and had the true teacher's faculty of drawing out original answers and ideas. Her influence, both direct and indirect, was great, and followed us through the week.
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Such teaching as Mrs. Robinson's could not but in- fluence the mental habits and moral life of all who enjoyed it, and I believe our church owes deep and grateful remem- brance to one who had so large a part in the training of its young women in Christian knowledge and life. The fresh- ness of these recollections and the dimness of others has emphasized in my mind a truth that has been growing upon me with great force of late years, that is, that of all the influences that operate upon the souls of youth, person- ality is the strongest and finest. It is indefinable, but should be reckoned upon in choosing teachers. My three teachers impressed an ideal of Christian living and think- ing that worked deeper than any of their words. From such spiritual characters an influence flows that takes a deep hold of the affections, and through the affections the life is moulded and enriched.
MARY HUNTER WILLIAMS.
MARIA SMITH GOULD
" Nearer My God to Thee"
Maria Smith Gould was the last one of the twenty-two original members of the church to be called home to her Father's house of many mansions.
She joined by profession when a girl of sixteen, and lived to have her children, grandchildren and one great- grandchild worship with her in this her first church home.
Her love for her church grew with her years, and per- haps was at no time keener than during that period when she was debarred by age from worshiping there in person.
She had a church record in years and in loyalty which few of us can hope to attain.
MARY F. B. BURBANK.
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MRS. LEVI STEARNS
" Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh"
In the early days of this church one of the faithful women was Mrs. Levi Stearns. She was an earnest Chris- tian, gifted in prayer, and in every way sought to further the kingdom of her Savior.
She taught in the Sabbath School, and was very much interested in the conversion of souls of the young, as well as of older people-would invite them to come to Christ ; pray with, and for them, inspiring and helping them in her beautiful way, as the writer can testify with the deepest gratitude.
MRS. E. M. HARRISON.
MRS. (DR.) ROBERT ROBINSON " A woman that feareth the Lord she shall be praised"
Mrs. Sophia Briggs Robinson was a member of this church seventy years ago. She desired the young Congre- gational church should be properly equipped; it was a day of small things, no aid societies. Consulting her friends she tried to devise ways and means to secure a communion set. She preferred knitting to housewifery, and deter- mined to earn something towards the purchase of a pewter service ; patiently she knitted linen fringe of intricate pat- tern to trim the curtains of the oldtime high-post beds, for which she received a goodly sum, and with the assistance of Dr. Hawkes one was purchased, and used for thirty years, when it was superseded by the silver service given by Mr. and Mrs. William S. Blackinton.
Later this first set was donated to the church in the White Oaks at Williamstown, and there used for some years; when a silver service was presented to them the pewter one was set aside.
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In 1900 Mrs. John Bond secured it and presented it anew to the home church. It can be seen in a corner of one of our parlors in a case made to preserve it as a pre- cious heirloom of the past.
COMPILED.
MRS. CLARA ROBINSON MARSHALL " Faithful in all Things "
Mrs. Clara Robinson Marshall was the most striking figure among the ladies whom a stranger coming to the little village of North Adams in the '40s would have been apt to meet. Brought up here, the daughter of Dr. Robert C. Robinson, and so own cousin to Mrs Babbitt and to Judge Robinson, she was married to the young English- man, Mr. James E. Marshall, who came here to assume charge of the cotton mills which had been bought by his uncles in England.
Their home was perhaps the first in North Adams to be opened as a center of hospitable social life. Having great executive ability, Mrs. Marshall was by nature a leader socially and in the activities of the church, and in both directions she used her really great influence always toward what was on a high level. She once told me that in fulfillment of her church duties she made it a point to call at least once a year on every woman who attended the church. Her cordial welcome and after helpfulness to those who came as strangers into town or church were evidence of her kindness of heart.
In person and manner she was exceptionally attractive; tall, with large dark eyes, she had a fine presence and queenly carriage, and added a mnost winning smile to great natural dignity. That her smile was not for the outside world alone may be understood from the simple fact that
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she was greatly beloved by all who served her. Best of all, she was a happy wife and mother; tender and yet wise with her boys and girls, and devoted to her husband through the time of their prosperity, and doubly so when business prospects darkened.
DIANTHA L. JACKSON.
MRS. JOSEPH P. MERRIAM
" Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise "
Mrs. Harriet R. Merriam was the second daughter of Dr. Robert Robinson, and united with the church under Dr. Crawford's ministry.
She sang contralto in the church choir; a friendship formed at this time resulted in her becoming the wife of Joseph Merriam.
(It was in the home of his father, Daniel P. Merriam, that the council first met to arrange for the organization of this church.)
Two sons were born here, and in 1855 they went west, where they labored in other fields.
Her love for her early church, for North Adams and its mountains, was her song always.
By her daughter, HELEN M. HOAGLAND.
Mrs. Helen Merriam Hoagland of New York repre- sented the families of her father and mother at the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Congregational church held in North Adams in 1902. J. P. G.
MRS. DEACON ROBERT MCLELLAN " By their fruits ye shall know them "
One of the prominent names in the second decade of our church history was Mclellan. Deacon R. W. B. Mc-
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Lellan and Belinda Elliot, his wife, were devoted workers, sustaining its meetings for prayer, encouraging its pastors, maintaining a family altar, of sacred memory to those who were permitted to share its worship.
Mrs. McLellan was the faithful secretary of the "mothers' meetings" for nine years, and from her Bible class many came into the church.
Removing west, their lives enriched other fields. Their eldest daughter lives in Los Gatos, California, from where the mother was called to her heavenly home in 1873. Deacon Mclellan followed in 1890.
The youngest has been a missionary in China over thirty years, her husband having charge of the largest mission press in the world ( at Shanghai). Three of their children are also at work under the Presbyterian Board in China, illustrating the promise "to children's children," etc.
The Mclellan name has been kept upon our church roll by our dear Amelia Mclellan, one of the Lord's precious jewels recently called home, who was a faithful member with us over fifty years. Her weekly offering was put aside when too ill to attend the service. Her quiet consistent life was an object lesson for all, "to look for the best in every one."
Miss Janet Elliot (Keeler), a sister of Mrs. McLellan, will be lovingly recalled by many here today. She too has trained children for the heavenly kingdom.
MRS. (DR.) E. S. HAWKES
" Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
Miss Sophia Abbey was born in Natchez, Mississippi. Losing both parents when quite young she came to live with relatives in Massachusetts. Some years afterward she
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was married to Dr. Elihu S. Hawkes, a prominent physi- cian and one of the early members of the Congregational church in North Adams. She was noted for her graceful and engaging manners. Reared under southern customs, she was naturally of a retiring and timid disposition. The many cares of home life often prevented her from active church work, but her loyal support and open purse were ever at command. She was the mother of a large family, and though having abundant means, she gave per- sonal, devoted care to her children. She was a loving, faithful mother, sacrificing ease and personal pleasure that they might be happy ; an excellent housekeeper and true home-keeper, generous to the poor and unfortunate, a kind neighbor and friend.
Many surprises in the form of some useful present were planned by Dr. and Mrs. Hawkes and given to worthy and needy friends to help them in the struggle of life.
Mrs. Hawkes was ever in sympathy with any plan of her husband for the welfare and success of the church.
L. M. HOLBROOK.
MRS. HENRY CHICKERING
"She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness"
Miss Elvira S. Allen was born in Barre, Mass. In 1844 she married Hon. Henry Chickering, founder of the North Adams Transcript and for many years its publisher. They came to North Adams immediately after their mar- riage and at once identified themselves with the Congrega- tional church, and soon became active in all the affairs of church work, he filling the office of deacon until removal from town.
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Mrs. Chickering was a woman of strong personality of character and of rare excellence, a woman of culture, ed- ucated under the instruction of Mary Lyon, sympathetic and helpful to those less favored than others, a wise coun- sellor and a true friend. She was an important member of the monthly "mothers' meeting," and did much to increase its interest and efficiency ; constant in attendance at all the meetings of the church, and always at the Thursday even- ing prayer meetings. Her aged grandmother and sister were also members of the church. Miss Hannah P. Allen, her sister, taught a primary school in the vestry of the old church, and can be recalled by many as the one who first taught them reading, sewing, embroidery and sketching with crayons.
Two sons and a daughter were given to these godly parents; only one remains, William Chickering of Oak- land, California.
L. M. HOLBROOK.
MRS. ROBERT CRAWFORD
" Love is the fulfilling of the Law"
No one can recall Mrs. Crawford without a vision of a lovely and smiling countenance encased in dark curls, and who that ever heard them will forget her loving words and affectionate greetings and partings ?
Mrs. Crawford was an invalid all the years I remember her, and could not be very active, but the "mothers' meet- ings" over which she presided for some years were very dear to her heart.
Her interest in the children was deep and tender, and she knew by name every child of the church. To help her husband in his work, it was her custom to have the deacons
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and their wives meet at the parsonage every quarter, for a social tea, and then talk over the interests of the church, and plan together ways and means for promoting them.
We can imagine the seriousness of these conferences successively with such men as Deacons McLellan, Gaylord, Chickering, Marshall, Hunter, for these were struggling days for the church. Mrs. Dawes wrote of them "It some- times seems as if we could not keep up our church society; everybody who goes away goes from our church, and every newcomer is either a Baptist or Methodist."
But Dr. Crawford guided us through these trying times carefully and prayerfully, and always with the sympathy of Mrs. Crawford, whose love for this their first parish was strong and manifest all her life.
MARY HUNTER WILLIAMS.
MRS. H. L. DAWES
" The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace "
Mrs. Dawes was a member of this church for twenty years, from 1844, when she came to North Adams a bride, until 1864, when the family removed to Pittsfield, most of this period during the pastorates of Dr. Crawford and Mr. Paine. At different times she was president of the maternal society, teacher in the Sunday School, and interested in whatever was doing, as for instance, in organizing the mite societies for the furnishing of the new church. We did not have the organized activities of today at that time, but the church life and family life were more intimately blended than now, and the individual influence of its women was none the less potent. Of commanding and charming per- sonality, Mrs. Dawes' natural leadership was increased by her husband's position as a public man, and her broad
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spirit went out into all the religious, philanthropie and intellectual life of her time.
Mrs. Dawes' loyalty to her pastors was exceptionally strong and never failing, which kept her in touch with the needs of the church. She loved to lighten all human bur- dens, and had a wonderful way of meeting people helpfully, being remembered gratefully as a friend to the sick and sorrowing. Her bounteous sympathy and the sweet strength of her noble nature seemed to transfigure cares and sorrows and help others to rise above them, as she her- self ever did, into the atmosphere of hopefulness and trust.
MARY HUNTER WILLIAMS.
MRS. SARAH A. CHILDS " Discreet, chaste, keeper at home "
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When a young lady Mrs. Childs became a Christian and united with the church in Brattleboro, Vt. At the time of her marriage, in May, 1841, she came to North Adams, and very soon ( by letter ) united with the Congre- gational church of this city. She was ever a devoted con- scientious Christian. Her prayers and example soon led her husband to give himself to the service of the Master, and he was ever a humble active Christian.
She was very much interested in the "mothers' meet- ings" of those days. She was faithful to her church, family, and friends, and died in the faith, in Montreal, Canada, in 1850. It well could be said of her : "She hath done what she could."
CAROLINE A. DOANE.
MRS. DAVID ROGERS " A Faithful Mother "
The wife of Deacon Rogers was an excellent Christian mother, a good neighbor and friend. She prepared many
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delicacies for the sick, and often sent a dainty dish to her pastor. She was greatly interested in the quilting bees and donations of the early days. The name "Rogers" was part of the framework of this church fifty years ago. They with the help of Mrs. Levi Randall planned many a gather- ing for the choir of "lang syne, " and secured money to carry on the necessary "singing school."
MRS. JOSHUA K. ROGERS
Mrs. Rogers came to North Adams in 1841, directly after her marriage. She was a sincere Christian, but her health did not allow of much active church work. She was, however, interested in everything pertaining to the church. She was born in Conway, Mass., in 1817, and died in Syracuse, N. Y., in July, 1901. A lovely Christian woman.
CAROLINE A. DOANE.
MRS. E. ROGERS
"She was an artist, truly skilled with needle point "
Mrs. Sebaette Stevens Rogers was born in Swanzy, New Hampshire, and was married to Mr. Edwin Rogers in 1844 by Rev. Dr. Crawford, the wedding taking place in the brick block just east of the church. In the fall of 1894 their golden wedding was celebrated, and called together a large company, among whom were Senator and Mrs. H. L. Dawes, who attended their wedding.
Mrs. Rogers united with this church in 1850, and was always interested in its welfare, although prevented by ill health from taking as active a part as she would have liked; but her wise council was often sought. She had executive ability of no mean sort, and was very efficient as an officer in the sewing society, and her skill with her needle was
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invaluable. She was also of great assistance to her husband in his work as chorister, who valued her opinion in the se- lection of hymns.
Mrs. Rogers died at their summer home, Heron Island, July 25, 1895. The island yielded beautiful floral treasures which were arranged by loving hands as tributes of affec- tion. Thus passed from earth a remarkable woman of a refined and social disposition, and a sincere friend, who will linger long in the memories of those who knew and loved her.
SARAH E. INGALLS.
MRS. THOMAS ROBINSON " A Loyal Helper "
She was one of the active women to suggest ways and means in the early days of our church. Coming from city life to the small country town, she brought many new sug- gestions, and often invited the Women's Sewing Society to meet with her.
The early part of the afternoon was given to sewing for the minister's family, or one of the parish who might have sickness in their home. Outgrown clothing was brought to be remodeled for some needy child to go to Sunday School, and money was raised in various ways to send an occasional box to a missionary.
It was the fashion at one time for men to wear silk nightcaps, said to be conducive to silky hair, and a few women who were particularly nice with their needles inade them under the direction of Mrs. Robinson for sale; they were made of brown silk. The late John F. Arnold or- dered for himself and some of his friends.
As daylight waned an hour of prayer followed the work; frequently a bountiful tea had been prepared, to
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which the minister was expected, and the deacons were welcome; the village tea table discussed the interests of the church together, "and the mite box was passed from one willing hand to another."
COMPILED.
MRS. JOHN H. ORR
" The Lord is mindful of His own "
Mrs. John H. Orr will be lovingly recalled by many here today. Afflicted for years with an incurable and de- pressing disease, deprived of the privilege of attendance upon public worship, her four walls shutting her from out- side activities, she made her rooms the place of prayer, and for some years the women's prayer meetings were held with her; all who were privileged to attend remember her fervency of spirit and cheerful resignation.
Living so near the church she loved, but not permitted to enter its doors, yet her sweet influence was felt in the lesson she taught by unmurmuring trust-encouraging others by joyous words, and sharing with her husband the interests of the church, she exerted a quiet influence that cannot be told.
She was a Christian of rare graces-in her relations of wife, mother and friend, she won profound respect and love. Uniting with the church in 1842, she was a valued member until her death in 1871.
MRS. ESTHER C. RICHARDSON.
MARY CONE ROBINSON "One Family in Heaven "
Mrs. Mary Cone Robinson united with this church at the time of the great revival of 1852. To her covenant vows she was ever faithful, always seeking to know and do
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her Master's will. In her daily life she exemplified and adorned the religion of her Savior. The Bible was most truly the guide of her life. The two last years of her life she was an invalid. She bore this protracted season of pain and weakness with cheerfulness and patience. It was given to her here to enjoy a foretaste of the joys upon which she was so soon to enter. A short time before she passed away she was given a respite from severe pain by a few moments of sleep, from which she wakened suddenly, her lovely face radiant with an angelic smile, and said: "I have seen the 'Beautiful City' and the gates were open wide."
So to this dear one "an abundant entrance was given into the heaven for which she was so fully prepared."
ESTHER CONE RICHARDSON.
CLARA A. CONE
Miss Clara A. Cone united with this church in 1858. She was a devoted, loving, self-sacrificing disciple of her master. To "do good as she had opportunity " was the de- sire of her life. Her heart and hand were ever ready to serve the needy and suffering. "Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."
MATTIE A. CONE
Miss Mattie A. Cone united with this church in 1864. From childhood her health was delicate. The last few years of her life she was a great sufferer, but she bore her sufferings with sweet submission and cheerfulness. She was a loving, trustful follower of her Savior and prepared for the "sweet rest of Heaven."
These sisters united with the same church here on earth and were united in the Heavenly home where sin and suffering never enter, and parting never comes.
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"They have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in His temple, and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them."
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them into living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
MRS. SARAH SARGENT PAINE " Her work was done-and well done"
The wife of Rev. Albert Paine was a particularly social woman, and was a valuable assistant to her husband in his pastoral work.
It was a wonder to her friends how she could find time for the many calls she made in the parish. She was domestic in her tastes and left no part of her household duties that required her attention ; her children always received her first care, and later when grandchildren came they were her heart's delight. She always showed warm sympathy for all who were in trouble, and took" keen interest in the work of the church, and in every good undertaking in the community, endearing herself to all with whom she came in contact. She was rich in common sense, which enabled her to meet and overcome difficulties. She was steadfast to her friends, to duty, to all the require- ments of home, and ably assisted her husband in his work throughout the parish.
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