USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Brimfield > Brimfield Congregational Church Records - Vol. VII 1930-1947 > Part 10
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a boiled dinner-netted $ 7.10. This. Garfield spoke to us. The Class were invited. The subject Musione. De comber - Voted to ple dge 50 to the to be paid quarterly and to toward the general fund Led to adapt a project to sew gro arepitas Din Urlcano, da. D. Ifthe member of the class met at - Image and served on costumes Liten annual Lega hand to repair Juntar Chocs, salle. wreaths as usual. In closing anagade 3 Ks Hare wich
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each and everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year. May our church prosper during the year to come. Respectfully submitted, Katherine Nesson, Lecy.
astor's Report.
Rev. Norman Mac dead, Jr. gave the following report which was duly accepted :-
a very happy year has just been con- cuded in the Brimfield parish and we can do little better than to thank God for his many mercies to us.
Thanks to the devoted work of the Bd of Trustees and the generous giving of all the people of Brimfield, the church has been restored , the parsonage renovated, and considering the amount of work which has been done the church is in good financial condition as the report of the treasurer shows. We wish at this time to thank the Fidelis Class, the B.L.S. Class, and the Pilgrim Followers, our high school group, for the fine way in which they responded to our request for help in meeting oursbudget this year. If these pledges, that of the Fideles Class is already in the hands of the Treasures.
In Maundy Thursday before Easter, 14 new members were admitted to our fellowship and on Children's Day the U.S. presented a fine pageant and six children were baptized The minister has also officiated at 11 weddings, two in the church, one in a private home, and the others in the parsonage, and at 7-funerale, none of which were of numbers of this church. He do, however, wish to recall with deep regret the balling of This. Caroline Bales, long a resident of Brimfield and a generous supporter of this church though not a member.
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Special services were held on Maundy Thurs, on Easter afternoon, and on the four Sundays in Id vent, closing with the second annual Christmas pageant on Dec. 22 There was also a candlelight Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24. The response to these extra services has been gratifying and we feel that through them we are able to reach people who for one reason or another do- not attend the morning services.
The attendance at the morning services has averaged through the year beginning Jan. 1, 1940, about 75. It is significant however that the average for the last four months has only been 56, that is, almost 20 below the year's average. In considering the larger figure, too, we must discount the Sundays in June on which many outsiders came to worship with us. Never. less, the attendance is a source for concern and we must make a determined LA to reach out for those who are afar off for whatever reason.
-church has shown itself well able to apport itself, but on the benevolences side we are lamentally weak. The Christian spirit shows itself in the degree that we think of others and this is reflected in a church's giving to the larger work of the who'schurch. I propose that we set for our ives an informal goal of $200., $100, to go to the mission boards of our church, and 50. for our own direct gifte. Less than $ 20. has been pledged through the usual channel, that is the pledge card It is not now too late to tell My Gifford that you willto give intra fine cents or a semanaca care to our benevolences. De, if you a a wt www to envelope action . i.q. ta valide
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that so much is to go to Benevolence Witheach succeeding month it becomes more important to think of the needs of our neighbors , near and far and to do some thing concrete as a Christian, "he are spending billions of dollars in weapons of destruction. and we not give at least asmali proportion of that to heal the wounds of war? The on y secure world is a world of Christians. It is for such a world that every cent given to the mission enterprise of our church goes. Inconclusion, Mrs. Macleod and I wish to thank you for the wonderful Iway in which you have responded to our wishes in all things. We have had a happy year and expect a happier one. Respectfully submitted, Norman M. Macleod, Jr. Pastor.
Report of Mr. William D. Spooner, check for Board of the Board of Trustees, gave the rustees following report which was duly accepted :- To the officers and members of the Just Congregational Church of Brimfield; Greetings:
The trustees met early in the year and organized with Mr. Rue Clark as chairman and Mr. William A Spooner, Clerk. The first business, outside of the general routine work, was the receiving of the resignation of Mrs. Knowlton , as organist, because of ill health, and in view of her past service we prevailed uponher to continue the position until the first of July with the permission to use a substitute as often as necessary. In May, the Trustees appointed Mr. Macleod to act as chorister. On June 11th the music committe. was invited to meet with the trustees
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to discuss the hiring of a new organist and it was decided that the salary should be $125 per year and that i limit of $35 per year be allowed the choristes for the purchase of music It was decided to ask all who wished to candidate for the position to play two Sundays and that after all the applicants had been heard to ask the church to make their choice by ballot .
When our treasures was called away hy his business, we appointed Mr. Francs. Gifford to act for the remainder of the fear and recommended the name of Mr. James Blair to the church to fill the vacancy thus created as trustee.
During the year the church has been especially indebted to the Brimfield Improve- me at Society, noting Mr. Edward Marriott in particular for the good work that he and they did in grading and seeding the South Church lawn; to Mr. Charles De Land for making the sign for the front lawn and to Mr. and Mrs. James Smith for bringing to town the accomplished musical entertainment for the benefit of the hurricane fund. The Trustees voted to sponsor and endove a men's club in the near future. at the financial meeting the estimates for expenses were accepted and it was voted that the salaries be the same as heretofore except that that of the minister should be $ 300 besides the use of the parsonage. The town no divided into sections and sollecitare sent out. It quaerous response has beenimao. for which the trustees desire to express tin appreciation. Respectfully submitted William Leverer clerk. 1
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The following officers were duly elected by ballot for the ensuring year:
Moderator. Mr. Clarence B. Brown Clerk Gladys H. Campbell
Mr. Frank S. Gifford
Supt of S.A.
Treasurer ---- auditor. Mr. George R. Hitchcock Passed over for the fires. ent till a meeting of the A.S. 1 Member Bd. of Trustees - Mr. Roe . Clark. I Deacon for 4 years - Mr. Clarence 13. Brown Three elective members) Mrs. Hester Sherman
of the Standing Comm. Mrs. Makel Peirce Miss Ethel Spooner.
Moved to at Article II sect 1 of the By Law with reade: - standing Committee of which the baxter, deacone, and such of the 2. what" immer gere ex officio and three 3) election maniere. should be amended to read:
Change in Standing Committee of which the By- Laws-pastor, deacone Subli of the hand Verk Werk to be shall be, menwere it clicca, and Standing three 3) exclu members. envoted committee .
Moved and carviena that is. Mas Lead and 'adre am Iseliserve as a nominating committee toare.It list of three's ramlers a Music" committee
the Bring Festett Lanterna ... splende de La paz ! en bac + 3 ., der-
taken; nachy tak atacul
.it -was, voted tant ta ... letters : Lla. ations, etc ....
2
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by Mr Vercy Moore to include a letter to The. Edward Marriott, who donated especially even against great ad ds and the town of Brimfield who gave us the use of the Tractor and Bull flores and other machinery for one full day So voted
Theo. Stegner suggested that the Church should assume its share of responsibility for the care and upkeep of the work which. " he Improvement Society has done. Assurance was given by members of the Trustees that something would be done.
Voted to send a letter of gratitude and appreciation to this. Louis tower and Mise
Gladys Heures for their partirsuperaning the decorate one especiais for timmar sunday aut two at other times.
Inv. William Abbonamentiand the Iknewbility of sending flowers to Dor. Charles Johnson in recognition of her fail culuise, for suchnote eming at that members assimmed to anderes a casa of sympathy weakened files. Ha ha missedher and do appreciate be na Med dina and in doing - to Moved to content
Jan . 5, 1941
at the close of the regular morning service a brief meeting of the church was called for the purpose of electing delegates for the ordination and installation service for Mr. ned Mckinney of East Longmeadow. Mrs. Harry Landen and Mrs. Harrington, Ir. were chosen as our delegates.
Jan. 12, 1941 a special meeting of the church was called at the close of the morning
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service for the purpose of approving the election of the Supt of the Sunday School; was elected by that group. Therefore, the church thus voted to accept the name of Mr. Charles Deland as Supt of S.S. for the ensuing year.
April 6, 1941. at a meeting of the church at the close of the regular service, the names of Mr. Charles Deland, Mrs. Charles Deland and Mrs. Stanley Hicks were recommended for membership upon presentation of letters. Voted to receive them at the Maundi Thursday service on april 10, 1941. The name of Mr. Harley Landen was also presented for membership Jupon profession of faith . So voted April 10,194. at the Maindi Thursday Communion service at the Church Mr. and Mrs. Charles Deland and Mrs. Stanley Hicks were received into our membership thy letter. Mr. Harley Landen was received into our members hip upon profession of faith.
May 4, 1941. On Sunday May 4 th 19+1 was held the annual meeting of the Hampden assoc of Cong. Churches and Ministers at Hope Church in fringfield The theme for this meeting was "The Church and Making the Future" In the evening. Dishof William appleton Lawrence spoke with is subject. Those who attended enjoyed an sually fines
May 1941 at a meeting of the church, which met at the close of the regular service of worship, "The B. G. Campbell and Gladys A. Campbell were appointed
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to be del gates at the annual meeting of the Mass. Cong. Conf. and Missionary Society- to be held at Second Cong. Church at attleboro, Massachusetts.
Jun21, 1941. A short, meeting was called at the close of the regular meeting for the purpose of appointing delegates for theInstallation of Sev. Kenneth J. Widney at the Union Church of Ludlow on Hed June 4 th. Miss Echel Spooner and Mrs. Harrington were elected as our delegates!
aug. 31, 1941. a meeting of the church was called at the close of the morning service. Discussion was given to the matter of speaker for the next Sunday, Sept. 1the or whether it was advisable to close for o Sunday. Voted to keep the church open and if possible to secure Mrs. Forrester Machon and of this service. Voted to leave the mutter with the Check.
The following ferons shop for us during Mr. Macleod' vacation." 2. 2.4th. Ker. josiah Dickerman aug 31st. Rev. Mrs. Forrester Mac Donald Sept. 7 th " Sept. 14,1941 The name of Miss Charlotte Day, who had previously presented herself. before the Standing Committee, was recommended by said committee for membership in our Church. woon profession of faith. Voted to welcome her into our membership and at the close of the service the was duly received into our Church.
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Sept. 28, 1941 at a meeting of the church at the close of the morning service, it was voted to grant a letter of dismissal and of recommendation to Mr. allen Keith, to Faith Cong Church in Springfield, Mass. Set. 19, 1941 The fall meeting of the Hampden assoc. of Cong. Churches and Ministers was held at Emmanuel Cong. Church in Springfield, Mais. Och. 19, 1941. Our church was represented by about fourteen members and those who attended were well repaid for the effort.
Lov. 9, 1941 at the close of the regular. service of worship a meeting of the church was held to act upon the request for a letter of dismissal for Mr. Eleanor Clark Toussaint, to the Cong. Church in agawarn. Voted to grantsuch a letter and recommend her to that church.
200: 30,14+1 a meeting of the church was called at the close of the morning service to act upon the matter of a letter of dismissal for Miss Ethel Evans to Williston Church at Portland, Maine. Such a letter voted to be sent. Miss Evan' name has been on our retired list since Dec. 193%. Fec. 28/11 at a meeting of the church at the close of the regular service, it was voted to grant Mr. and Mer. Ainsworth adams, letters of dismissal to the Federated Church at Warren, Mass. These names had been placed on our retired list in December 1 93%.
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Dec. 29, 1941. The following names have been placed upon the Retired fast (see motion) on S. 62. - Jan. 1, 1934.), since no active) interest is shown by them because of the fact that they are permanently out of town?
1. Lawrence 1. Bissell 2. Mrs. albert E. Craig (Dorothy Brown)
3. Mrs. George Dockham 4. Mrs. George Joslin (Marie Elder) 5. Gladys H. Laird 6. Mro Frederick J. Meyer (Betty Brown) 7. Mrs. Hugh Smith 8. Miss Carol Smith
9. Mrs. Gilbert E. Stacy Naomi Brown) 10. Mrs. Lebe Thibodeau Isabel Elder. 11. Everett Wallace Whitten.
Dec. 30, 1941. Annual
The annual meeting a cada il of the First Congregational maten' wax Meeting held at the churchson bele za -ing. December 30, 1941. The meeting was seceeded by a family sukker at 6:30 A.M. I devotional and praise service was conducted by tev. Norman Macleod, . and then the moderator Ne carence . Brown presided Tre tol' Call of members showed 27 presentiit. respondent ay 14. men ers ik was reported as follows: Membership Lec. 27, 1940.
Trace 36 Demace 76 Total 112
Admissions By Letter
1
2 3
Pro- .- Faith 1 2
1
3 8
79
Tota 117
Removals By Death By wetter 1
- 1
-
1
- 3
male 37
7 7 Total 114
Placed on Retired List
- 2
- 9 -11
Prale 3 5 ~ Female 6 8 Total 103
Thereport of the clear : se read
-
1
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and accebit
Treasurers Report.
for clarification ( , fread, and is a .- To the board hust soft the Long Church of Time to Ilyes cond schont. 1
tocusto and eck diture fortime year , 74%.
While it was not been so encouraging as anticipated, it has been far from descour. aging. However, there is room for improvement. The needs of our church are, chy definite and they must be me thy more than good wishes The pledges for 1942 received to date amount to $1438.00. It is sincerely hoped that each one making a pledge will make every effort to fulfil the same during the coming years. We have reduced the church's indebt- redness by 515, during the year, having paid the operating loa wol $165, and reduced the church're-construction loan by 350. The balance due onthe latter in 132 and this will be paid a speedily as possible. This will leave our total indebted nese $4,800.00 -#4, -Ftrat l' chaines' Bank for the saw a quandt 1800 grant secured of a 94. 1. mortgage We are indebted to .Dedeler Claw for their contribution of 50 to be applied toward reducing traceschon strage.
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sto med Paperdeluca- 1941.
Financial Car
1 2 2 CL 2. 2. 1, 1-41
I= port Hedges
1,247.62 25100
1941. Pedago for 1942
Fe construction pledges 175,00
Flat- Collections 197.00
Benevolentes 15 2.4.5
Drivested Funds, Income 710. 62
Parsonage Ment
302.50
Envelop: Payment
4:00
3, 0 35.38 $ 3,427.05
Expenditures
Salary, Pastor $ 1250,00
, Pastor Supply 30.00
11 Organist 130.00
= Janitor ,
150,00
Interest 239.37
wight
18.08
Tuel
71.00
Insurance
185.70
Parsonage Maintenance 100.56 24. 02
Music
Payment on Church Mortgage 3 5 0. 00
Operating Loan , paid 160.00
Benevolences 1 5 2. 45
Miscellaneous 123.53* $
Cash Balance, Des. 30, 1941
3,009.71 417.34 $ 3427.05
*
Membership tax 17. 95
Annuity Fund 16.70
Safety deposit box girl 3.5.5
Postage, printing & supplies 31. 36
Flowers 5. 50
Mowing lawn
42.50
h- pairs
1. 00
Communion supplie.
5:00
# 1 2 3 . 5 3
$ .391.67
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The auditors report inte rer due to the facht al the mester que too close to the new par h foi zone fromply and reported to ten ures In the time, Mr. That erd.
Report a very en igate ning resort worse was + accepted is read and is to for With this meeting we close our second full year of work with you. "2 wish to thank you all for the many kind nes see you have shown us. "We have been very fortunate The fare particular if grateful for the way in wine most of you have shown your willing ness cooperate readily in the work of the church. The hope that life and the church, means more to you because of your work here. The Board of Trustees and the standing. Committee and all the other officer of the cure thave shown a continuing loyal interest wica promises well for our future . Especial y we want to remember at this time, Miss Campbell and the girls of the chair for their contribution to our Sun morning worship . The success of the girls chair thas succeeded allow expectations sunday after Sunday through fall, winter and springthey thave come to rehearsals and morning services Their consistent loyalty has been very encour. aging to us and a wexample for us all the cannot forget the work of the new Ladies" Benevolent Society and the idea group, the fruit of whose efforts als your to the church. Tray their future be productive of good as their past?
It has been the custom for the pastor at this timeto make a bout on the state of religion in med. Me know that picture is not wendy tale,-itcause of the people and organization a just mentioned. They bear witness of the fact that the church here is alive. On the other hand, the picture is not as bring It as itme Whe.
Pastor's
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his sindenchalon the fact at church attendare an tropiet average for this year is to Bestarbeast oto now 5 instead of 75. the canomeans of twot range of a little of Either the church was closed to be identified with the true just an parts by an increasingly Large number of people or ese an increasingly Large number of beable are losing their hold on the Duistian faith. The fact is that there are more people staying away from the church than in the previous year. He may well ask why The most popular reason for staying away from church is that one is too busy knew Theur that am baffled ternapo that is the reasons it is so popular "or no one but yoursel really knows how busy you are The only answer the church can give is that if you want to go to church if you honestly feel II i' is so thing you need to do something wshould do, you will find time for it Te knowit is for some of the insiest people stown are here every sunday morning. another factor which undoubtedly has a lot to do the problemis your minister For any ting it is quite possible thatt cier money pour sa e ward aren just what you need. They may have too v missed the mark. I know they have sten enough. Theo, the minister was not put as untime as he'd into general calling, that is calling on people who have, no special need just to keep in touch with them In the course of the last two years I have accepted responsibilities in the work of the church outside of Krimis . at the time - immer: is there againblepharet "van vid Inother factorentatt ex-aitinput people: aus, ost berlinerlesund ough in Mergina the chronic, nos attendantv to change - nein way v . Une autrey mer radica: mediculties in that
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- Force of the people a ruke are you choscrivere confucioce dy clicar cobrado frowning liste di vreety to say west do anothe The force of these ramp it was fortunately twice as long as theexam big the one who come to clare and say nothing about it These are all factors that are wit in'our control, that is, we can to something roub tiem. Let us start now on Mouse ice.
On the bright side, there is this to say. Our benevolence giving amounted this year to over 150, about five times as much as last year. This is a very good sign, that we are becoming aware of our responsibility to others besides ourselves. But this is only the be ginning: In the days that lie ahead more and more demands will be laid upon us. Our committee for assistance to war victime needs more money than ever. The must increase our giving to our regular missions. apart from your church giving I hope that you are doing your best to support the latest request of the Red Cross. set us not grow weary in well doing but press even harder toward the goal which is set before is!
In closing, we wish to thank Thr and Mrs. Deland for the when did work they have done with the sunday school and the teachers for their support this is grateful especially to Thiss ampull and his weiter forthe many years of service they have givenus. Mrs. That as I chruciate
givenus to ser is a mong che sono and look forward to the yeast at tana had with anticipation 20 queat are
This filtrarescott grave 1.x financial fort fort . monday school and it was ac echte and Bows:
190
H
7. 22
Sunday 2nd 11+1
School
23 -7 Report serade a 2 6.5
E'mert 11
23.80
1.33
1.02
.57
Collection Little Vanderer's
First Quarter Supplies .30.2
Second 11 24.55
Wird 17.71
Court! 22.61
Palmer Tower Shop 1.25
Transportation to Little
1.50
Little Wanderers
Balance L'ec. 31, 94)
$ 2.77
Lillian trescott, Decy. o Crear. Mr. Deland was not present and did I send a report as Lupt of the . A. The report for the sadies Seavevocent society written in Mro ruby smith, secy. was wed by xel eik as follows:
Ladies' 1941 was a very pleasant and success. Benevolent Sur quan for the P. S. Class. ... Sisty. the canary we bought a balmes that the March would have two as one was being. Ho wen gs a gift. March ive weid a spaghetti supper. the proceeds of this supperive bought a serum cleaner to be used in the Church In Marchthe 150. S., nominated the following perfec to take office for the coming years President atherine Habion; Vice-President, Esther Parker; sie ket ou duas smith Treasurer, estude Morea. at that, meeting we vated to send "5 to the
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Hampden Points Branch of to beused for their want the . At caster time we took uto a collection file which were used as part of the Shure decoration and then given to saut-ins 22 Kumicid.
Before graduation we took turno cleaning the news of the church as well as the carbet until all were clean
In May a box of clothing was sent to i Negro hospital in New Orleans. The class members had beenworking on different articles during the winter It our June meeting we voted to take ver the name adies Benevolent society. ... has the former, members of this society could no longer carry on. Less, at this time we footed to buy inelectric punk so that water could be had at all times at the Surch. I food sale was held June 2. st. $ 14 was voted to go to the Church for help in the conference work. This is to be done every year! In August everyone helped to make our Lawn Party a great success. Then in stober we sponsored an entertainment put on by the Lazy t. Ranch Days. The have voted to unde clare t & projec! of filling a on to be sent to the leasant Will Sanatarium, theavant Vi Ventura y next year. We also voted to hold all of our meetings in the Much westay The public was invited to come to ver arist mas parly The voted to put up and lig te Cristmas tree on the Church steps. hier ends 1941. May 1942 be as successful. Respectively eu- mitted
Unanimously, ated to extend a hearty vot of thanks and appreciation
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Halter Brown wad c'est1 Die Videla aux and it was accepted
This claseswas founded as a sunday bearet ass intel spring of 1933 with this Macias as our beac . Memberships was open to any adultinterested in the welfare of the church a venirected to this end, and the class weder prey front of the success attained is own is the following achievements:
1. The redecoration of the sunday School room. -
2. Kitchen equipment bought. 3. Vestibule redecoration
4. Donations in cash for running expenses and acib retirement 600, the Largest one con. tribution after the urricane being $ 200. The grand total of all these activities for the period of about nine years is $1500. The activities for the year, 7-1 alone include: 1. Work for a southern Negro hospital 2. ted ros tock
3. Nonations to a tamitin county - weg
finance back was served the dinner
hier and lastice worte aus alonsored, as well as sales of haber and sprone. the Place explicatin the support of allentour: rationalize.
Eugenia : 21 nel, È re ac. Nathalie , Maad, vicis. Valea Lista de lasartes vate thanks, an abbleciationsto this case for their continued export.
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Pilgrim
Followers young Leaps Group. as id Eaux The Pilgrim Followers have had to it officers the Last year: resident evily trucks Vice President Florence Conklin; Secretary, Everyone Idami: treasurer, touch ermax; Social Chairman Betty Fate; Nowshop Gaiman Harriet Maddocks and programs are many huch sherman.
We meet each Sunday night at 7 o'clock. Two different leaders are selected for each night, lone to lead the service of worship the other leading the group discussion. Some of the topics a discussion have been," What are the things oneshould do on Sundays?" and"So it right to attend movies and play carde in Sunday" or"Should not these things we tone at all." I to bogganing party was held lash year which was a great success During the past year we have visited a young Twee Group at Ludlow Cents and are attended the astern' tampdin rundy . Imeetings, sich was held at Jumfield. Groups from La mer Bondeville and Ludlow Center attended our Carter sunrise services Charlotte Nay Sieryn Idama and Shirley sicks represented the front at the Pilgrim Fellowship conference it Imerchin June John Sherman Betty Hate & truth Sherman Munroex arbeit and No? and Grown represented us at the Week. End Con', at storrow town in Springfield, We want to the wh the IS. L. Class for making it possible for so many of over grows to attend conferences. "This year we pledged 26 to the church and were able to fill war ped ge which pleased no very much. He also helped purchase some chairs for the primary room The group is hoping to to even better in our pledgenest year as we feel we should play a larger tanti the Bif & the church. Respect fully submitted Hie we
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