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 12
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Not lacking in hospitality, she always welcomed an unexpected friend to her board or fire-side.
Though suffering from an incurable disease she en- dured all with resignation and cheerfulness, expressing the
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wish that she might live to see her husband through, as increasing blindness made him dependent upon her devoted care. They were happy in life and were not long separated by death, as they both entered into rest in 1901.
ELIZABETH D. THAYER.
MRS. FRANKLIN ROBINSON
" Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth "
These few lines cannot convey an adequate memorial of the unassuming Christian character of Mrs. Robinson.
Her gentle, genial influence was chiefly felt in the home circle. Her greatest pleasure seemed to consist in ministering to the happiness of those about her. In mem- ory we revert to those days when it was our privilege to receive the ever warm welcome of her hospitality, and her ready appreciative interest in the happiness of the young.
Her religious faith was always reverent, but with char- acteristic humility she refrained from witnessing early for Christ by a public decision. In after years she often re- gretted that she thus delayed.
She was fond of committing hymns to memory. Her favorite hymn was "Sweet the moments rich in blessing !"
She was sympathetic in her help for the needy and the sick. Her last illness was caused by exposure in the desire to alleviate the sufferings of a sick neighbor. Her death was felt keenly in the church and community.
LUCY HARRISON CONE.
MRS. SUSAN ROBINSON BLACKINTON " Not to be ministered unto but to minister "
In recalling the names of the women of our church in its earlier days, it is a pleasure to speak of Susan Robinson Blackinton.
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But how can we bring up before you her beauty of face, and grace of manner that so charmed all who met her?
Fidelity is a rare quality, but she possessed it in large measure, manifesting it in her love and loyalty to her church and pastor.
Loving all things beautiful, she with her husband, William S. Blackinton, was ever ready with suggestions for the improvement and beauty of our house of worship. The beautiful rose window was suggested and selected by them.
The silver communion service was their gift, and when an addition was necessary, that was supplied.
With what loving remembrance many recall the little "Leaflets" bearing words of comfort and cheer, sent to the sick and sorrowing.
Bright and courageous herself, she ever urged others to look for the shining side of the clouds.
" To live in hearts we love is not to die "
M. LOUISE PERRY.
MRS. ANN ELIZA BABBITT
Psalm 84-10-"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."
As a tribute to my deceased friend, I wish to testify to her steadfast, Christian character, which was unchanging in all the seventy years of friendship we enjoyed together.
She loved her Savior, she loved to worship in His house ; the text at the head of this sketch was one very of- ten repeated by her.
The desire to be of service to others and her unselfish life will be held in affectionate remembrance. She planned to further ways to carry on the work of the Master in her own city, and was generous as means would permit. She
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loved her country and desired all parts be opened to the privilege of worship, and was especially interested in the work of home missions by her church ; for several years she was an officer in that organization, and the annual opening of the "inite " boxes was in her parlors.
She believed in prayer, and hers was the "effectual prayer of the righteous." When the Reaper came she was ready, her work was well done, and she was gathered into the Heavenly fold February 13, 1900, in her eighty-fourth year.
In loving remembrance,
EMILY BRADFORD WHIPPLE.
MRS. MARY MITCHELL HOLDEN
" How much the fruit in God's garden is beautified by the process that ripens it"
Mrs. Mary Mitchell Holden was born in 1807. She was a kind friend and neighbor, a quiet home keeper; no one sent daintier dishes to our church festivals or to inva- lids than she prepared with her own hands.
She united with this church in 1837, during the pas- torate of Rev. E. Russell, and was a faithful attendant upon its services until her death, January, 1879.
ADALINE C. HOLDEN "Ours not to reply. Ours not to reason why "
Adaline C. Holden was one of the "polished stones " fit for the Master's use. Her quiet sincere love for the Savior created an atmosphere of purity and Christian cheerfulness that made her home a haven of rest for troubled hearts.
A "shut in" who did not publicly unite with the church until 1874, but her heart and prayers had been with us for many years. She manifested a thankful spirit at all
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times. The heavenly Father sent a beautiful child into the home, Stella, the daughter of her sister, Mrs. Rhoba Jewett, and the richness of Miss Holden's loving heart left its impress upon the pure page of the child's mind.
When the Father recalled this treasure, it was already ripe for the heavenly garner. She was a tower of strength to the sorrowing parents, and bowed in perfect submission, for she felt that "God never does, or permits to be done, that we would not if we could see the end." With this un- faltering trust she, too, entered the heavenly home, March 6, 1882. CAROLINE L. HUNTER.
MRS. SARAH THAYER PAUL " Her words were fitly spoken "
Mrs. Paul was a typical New England Christian woman and mother, ever ready with wise counsel, which brought comfort to many.
Educated under Mary Lyon, she became a teacher, whose reputation was greatly enriched by the earnest Christian influence exerted upon her pupils. She wor- shiped with this church during the pastorates of Messrs. Yeomans and Day. After her marriage to Truman Paul a warm hospitality reached the parsonages here and at Wil- liamstown, where for thirty years she was a faithful member of that church.
Removing to this city in 1862, they united with this church, and as long as health permitted she attended the women's meetings and the church services. Her prayers with the sick and the aged, her interest in missions, will be long remembered by those who shared them.
She suffered a stroke of apoplexy in her church pew, and entered into rest in the year 1875.
JOANNA L. MARTIN.
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MRS. S. JOHNSON " God loveth a cheerful giver "
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson came to this city from Adams ; in 1864 she united with this church, and from that time she gave of her means, her time, her carriage to help forward the work of the church. She was a frequent caller upon those who were "shut in," and deeply interested in the welfare of the many employees in her husband's large manufactory.
Her usefulness was greatly appreciated in her willing- ness to show others how to make the best use of what they had; she was particularly deft with her needle, and often clothed up children for Sunday School; encouraging her weaker friends to find the gladness and sunshine in the world. She gave generously for the Soldiers' Aid Society, carried on by the union of churches during the civil war.
Mrs. Johnson was a thrifty housewife and faithful help- meet ; and always gave her friends new inspiration and vigor to meet the cares and burdens of daily life. A mem- ber of a large social circle, she assisted her husband in entertaining his many friends, looked well to the affairs of her own household, entered into the joyous life of her chil- dren, brightening all by her sunny temperament.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were valuable helpers in the community, and their loss from our church was very great, but their good deeds and broad charities are not forgotten.
As one who knew Mrs. Johnson from her earliest childhood, I wish to bear loving testimony to many personal loving kindnesses shown me through many years.
MRS. E. M. HARRISON.
MRS. DEACON JAMES HUNTER " To do good and distribute "
The above seems to me to have been the daily char- acteristic of my neighbor. It was my privilege to be much
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in the home of this sainted woman. So quietly did she go about upon errands of mercy, few knew the extent of her helpful ministrations. She did all in such a modest un- assuming way, no opportunity was given for thanks.
Her generous heart and quiet sympathy with any in trouble made her one of our "foundation women " many years. Of her it could be truly said : "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her," for she faithfully sup- ported him in every good work, and they were united not only in their desire for the prosperity of their church, but also to make their home a haven of rest to all the Christian brothers and sisters.
She was given to hospitality. No one can forget the unfeigned welcome which was sure to greet us ; her house was always in readiness for the unexpected guest. The communion bread was prepared by her for over thirty years.
She was not given to much speaking, but her devoted manner at all devotional meetings told of a meek and worshipful spirit more convincing than many a public prayer. No one ever heard a bitter word from her lips.
She was a beautiful housekeeper. Many besides her own children rise up and say, blessed was her life among us.
JENNIE PAUL GOODRICH.
BELLE HUNTER (CHASE)
" Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God"
The youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Deacon James Hunter was my school-mate, church-mate and friend. To- gether we stood before the altar in May, 1866, and publicly promised "to unite with this church in active service of the great Master." This friendship has enriched my whole life.
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She inherited many of the rare qualities of the father and mother ; her daily walk and conversation were an in- spiration to growth in character, and an earnest desire to do good and to be good left its impress upon the young people of this church, who to this day quote her discreet and joyous Christian living. Her cheeriness and tact helped things to move without friction. She took active part in all young people's work. She taught a large class of young girls in the Sunday School, and faithfully portrayed to them the beauty of a life given to His service.
Retiring in her nature, she placed others higher than herself, yet eagerly finding some work she could carry on. She loved the Lord's house; her radiant face as she listened to some inspiring service can never be reproduced-yet it hangs on memory's wall a heavenly vision.
She was called up higher in 1876.
In loving remembrance,
JENNIE PAUL GOODRICH.
MRS. A. P. BUTLER " A lover of hospitality "
This faithful worker united with our church in the year 1850, and for thirty-five years was one of its foundation women.
Caroline Witt Butler was born at Hubbardston, Mass., in 1819. She married Mr. Abial P. Butler in 1837, and they were the parents of six children, one only of whom survived them, Will Witt Butler. Mrs. Butler lived the life of a consistent Christian, loyalty to her church and its work being one of her strongest attributes.
Until the time of her death she was a liberal subscriber to its missionary and benevolent schemes, and ill health only interfered, during the later years of her life, with ac-
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tive participation in the work of the church. Her home was open to the hospitalities attending the reception and care of supplies.
During the first months of Mr. Munger's pastorate he found in her home the quiet comfort essential to his re- quirements.
Mrs. Butler will be fondly remembered as " Dear Aunt Kate."
She was called to her heavenly home in February, 1885. JOANNA L. MARTIN.
MRS. T. T. MUNGER
" They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever "
In thinking of Mrs. Munger's influence among us we always remember the beautiful home life,-that Christian ideal of home in which every member blends the pursuit of true culture with good useful work, done for the happiness of the family and for others, with a sacred reserve of time for outside duties. So long as health continued this home was a social centre and an uplifting influence, touching the community life in various ways.
Mrs. Munger organized the first book club in North Adams, an educational impulse which has widened and con- tinued to the present time. She gave strength and inspir- ation to all the women's societies of the church, but the education of the young in Christian work appealed to her with special force, and as one of the leaders of the Harry Wadsworth club (so named from the club of Dr. Hale's story "Ten Times One Are Ten") she devoted much time to teaching the boys and girls and cultivating their sympathies and interest in all good work, for the freedmen, Indians, home and foreign missions, and first of all for work in our own town.
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Mrs. Munger was a model of sincerity and earnestness, and as she had the enthusiasm and faith necessary for suc- cess, she left her mark on many of these young lives.
MARY HUNTER WILLIAMS.
MRS. (DR.) G. C. LAWRENCE " Diligent in business, fervent in spirit "
In the early 6os Dr. George C. Lawrence and his wife came to this church, bringing letters with them.
We soon learned their helpfulness in many ways- for nearly twenty-five years he was the beloved physician in many of our homes, and his death was a general sorrow. Their son, Hon. Geo. P. Lawrence, still keeps the family name upon the church roll.
All who assisted in church work with Mrs. Lawrence knew her worth. She had great executive ability and per- severence, and knew no such word as failure. When she had used up her own strength (and no one knew how long she battled with disease) she would enlist others into the service, and in that respect she had most wonderful success, infusing new life and courage into others for the work to be done.
She was also fertile in ideas, and had unusual tact and discrimination ; as long as she lived she never failed to lay plans for removing the debt which the women of the church had assumed.
The Woman's Aid Society found her a most successful officer and solicitor, and much of their work was planned in her home, before we had church parlors. She taught a class of boys in the Sunday School for several years.
Mrs. Lawrence was one of the first corporators of the Hospital.
MARIA W. SMITH.
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MRS. WILLIAM WALLACE FREEMAN " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord"
The death of Mrs. Freeman in December, 1896, took from the church one active in sympathy and service. From her first coming to North Adams in 1863 she identified herself with the church and its work; giving freely of time and self in the spirit which more than doubles all other gifts. Her devotion to her home and family was very beautiful and was widely known. It was her wish to share the sweet home influence with others, which led to her work among the Chinese, and for years she gathered around her the homeless Orientals who labored here. She was very active in the temperance work in this city. To those who were closely associated with her in ties of friendship, who united their efforts with hers in the upbuilding of Christ's cause, who mingled tears of joy and of sorrow with her, her name will ever be surrounded with tender, happy memories.
HELEN LAMBERT GALLUP.
MRS. MARTHA P. WRIGHT
" And a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord "
There is in many a heart a book of remembrance wherein are tender records of the life of one who was "not disobedient unto the heavenly vision." Mrs. Wright's life spanned the years from May II, 1812, to February 22, 1900. It was not until 1871 that she came to North Adams with her daughter (now Mrs. John A. Rice). She loved this church, and though she could never actively engage in its work, she interested herself in its success and inspired others to efficient service.
Attractive in person, with winning manners, wise and comforting in her counsels, it was not strange that young
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and old were drawn to her. She possessed strength of will, courage, great patience and the internal harmony and poise of character that come to those who dwell with God in love.
It was during her later years that Mrs. Wright became so dear to me, and the very last ones I thought the most beautiful of all. Evening shadows were falling, and she was gradually laying aside the activities of life. Sheltered from its storms, and crowned with the love of children and grandchildren, even to the third generation, she trustingly awaited the things to come. It was then that her room became to so many of us a sacred place where we were lifted above the cares of life, and our outlook broadened as by a vision from a mountain top. Every such life and character reveals anew the life of God in the soul of humanity. ELLA ELIZABETH HUNTER.
FRANCES E. SWIFT
What worthy tribute can I bring to lay on this altar, in affectionate remembrance? How shall I speak her matchless worth ? A woman of many virtues, "whose price is far above rubies."
With a character possessed of intense energy and strong convictions, of great kindness of heart and unselfish love; she worked with untiring zeal for the accomplish- ment of the greatest good to whatever worthy object claimed her attention, looking out by the way for every opportunity to lighten a burden, or lift the despondent, into her own atmosphere of unfailing cheer and courage.
For every good word and work, she gave in unstinted measure her time, her sympathy, her earnest thought. In the spirit of the Master, in whom she trusted, and in whose footsteps she followed, she gave herself.
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For those who have lived and loved, and walked and worked with her in common interest, sweet and sacred will be the memory of her noble life.
Take from it the lesson it imparts, make a conscientious use of life. "Work while it is yet day."
In affectionate remembrance,
ANNA M. RICHMOND.
THE DEAR MOTHER
Mary C. Quackenbush passed the eighty-sixth mile- stone of her life's journey, leaving the record of an active useful life, and the memory of a true womanhood, whose duty and devotion to home and family she accepted as a sacred trust, and faithfully kept the charge.
Her happy buoyant spirit was the charm of her nature. Old age held her sympathy, but not her companionship. She loved the young and they in return loved her. She lived not in regrets of the past, neither in forebodings of the future, but in the ever present, where she found abund- ant pleasure and interest. Her life was like a psalm not all of joy and rejoicing, not all of sadness and complaint, but a unison, through which the spirit of faith, hope and good cheer came like a benediction to her soul, to lighten its burden and to brighten the way.
So when the end came, and the last amen was spoken, it found her willing and desirous to depart, knowing that "to awaken in God's likeness, she should be satisfied."
In loving remembrance,
ANNA M. RICHMOND.
Sketch of the Ladies' Aid Society
MRS. CHARLES H. CUTTING.
Who can forget the brave workers of long ago, when our church and chapel had not the modern conveniences of today. The work accomplished then may not have assumed the proportions that later dates in our records give of the society ; still with the kitchen in the basement and other things as crude and inconvenient the present work seems to appear in a lesser light.
Let us then give honor and tribute to the women who battled with the work of the past, and in the review of their labors find courage for the future.
This society was first organized at the home of our pastor, Dr. Lewellyn Pratt, in September, 1872, under the name of the Ladies' Benevolent Society, with the following officers enrolled: President, Mrs. Lewellyn Pratt; vice president, Mrs. James T. Robinson ; corresponding secre- tary, Mrs. Pratt; recording secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Helen Butler; Executive Committee, Mrs. Edwin Thayer, Mrs. E. B. Penniman, Mrs. A. E. Babbitt, Mrs. A. W. Richardson and Mrs. William Martin.
At this meeting it was voted to give the attention and work of the women to any need that presented itself, either foreign or home. As years passed on and the work grew, committees were appointed to take charge of the different branches, so it was that the Foreign and Home Missionary Societies were formed, which will be reported later.
Then follow records of meetings and work that make the heart glad as it reads of them. These duties met so
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bravely and well probably seemed to the participants as if they were a tangled web, but like the tapestry workers who only see the wrong side of the picture until it is finished, so we believe this work stands and that our Father in Heaven will look upon it in its completeness, and speak the words "well done." Some we believe have already heard these words and are now chanting His praises around the throne, and others God in His mercy has spared to us. Let me take you in thought to some of them resting quietly in their homes. Watch their faces with the heavenly love already resting upon them as they sit with silvered hair and folded hands, and note that every heart beat is for this church. God bless them ! They are our benediction and blessing. Who would not work with such inspiration ? In the years after activity was impossible, these mothers of ours have been doing quietly but surely for us.
The women of our church have with hearts and hands assisted those over the seas and within the borders of our own country with wonderful helpfulness; but nestling closest to their hearts has been the dear church home. Her needs have been their study and you all know how much has been accomplished. I shall not enter into figures in this review, although the amounts raised would reach the sum of several thousands; but figures seem insignificant compared with the heart and thought of it all, which has been the uplifting of church life socially and financially.
This society has been the recipient of many gifts, but time and space forbid my mentioning only those of later date.
Mrs. Babbitt, always ready to aid in any work for this church, in dictating her last wishes bequeathed the sum of
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three hundred dollars which has since been received and applied on chapel debt as she wished.
Mr. Rogers (one of our beloved ones) gave part of his family silver to the society, and it has been very helpful at different times.
A gift that has given great happiness is the beau- tiful new range which is now in our kitchen, and will be used for the first time during our anniversary. It was do- nated by Mrs. E. B. Penniman.
We would acknowledge these and other gifts with hearty thanks and appreciation. No one but the workers know the real joy these remembrances give.
Besides helping to pay for the chapel, which the ladies have done and are still doing, they have purchased and paid for the house next to the church. About five years ago the society was confronted with the thought that un- less they interfered the land formerly owned by them would fall into hands entirely outside of the church, and perhaps make it impossible to obtain any of it if needed at some future time. Therefore with a view of protecting the property from undesirable surroundings, the ladies have purchased two additional houses and have already so far reduced the indebtedness that it is no longer a burden to carry. This work has not been allowed to interfere with the varied needs of the church as they have presented themselves, but is being cheerfully carried on in connec- tion with other duties.
This is the birthday of the Church. Let us draw nearer, love her more ; let God's fresh air and sunshine in, that it may not only warm our own hearts but all those who enter its doors, that they may join with us in singing :
" I love thy kingdom, Lord, The house of thine abode."
Sketch of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society
MRS. JOHN A. RICE.
A little more than twenty-six years ago our Foreign Missionary Society was organized. The record says : "A meeting of the ladies of the First Congregational church in North Adams, Mass., was held in their chapel on Wed- nesday afternoon, November 3, 1875, for the purpose of or- ganizing a missionary society, auxiliary to the Woman's Board of Missions in Boston. Sixteen ladies were present. The meeting was opened by Mrs. Lewellyn Pratt, by reading the scriptures and prayer, after which Mrs. W. P. Porter was chosen secretary."
The first officers of the society were: President, Mrs. Lewellyn Pratt; vice presidents, Mrs. William Martin, Mrs. A. E. Babbitt, Mrs. Shepard Thayer and Mrs. Mary Hunter Williams; secretary, Mrs. W. P. Porter; treasurer, Mrs. Belle Hunter Chase.
This little band of faithful, consecrated women worked earnestly until the membership was increased to fifty. A meeting was held each month, usually in the chapel, although one is occasionally reported at the home of some member. Shall we ever forget the meetings at the par- sonage, or with Mrs. Babbitt, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. A. P. Butler, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Thayer. As we recall them we seem to see again the dear faces and hear the voices raised in earnest prayer. May their spirit rest upon those who follow them.
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