USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Brimfield > Brimfield Congregational Church Records - Vol. VII 1930-1947 > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15
annual meeting be changed to the Ist. Friday Following Easter but by a
majority vote it was decided to leave it as the first of the year. There was a unanimous vate in favor of a cross and candlesticks or wases to be used in front of the pulpit. This. Ruch manter read the report of the Sunday School Mis. Vera Silves read the report of the Ladies Benevolent Society Mrs. Wertha Brown read the report of the Fidelis Group, and all of these
Total 113
76
233
reports were accepted. The Trustees report was not read at this meeting; but a short oral report was given by Clarence Brown relating to the year's business. The following is the report on election of officers for the year 1946. Clerk- Mrs. Mary Houby moderator. Mr. Clarence Brown Treasurer. Mr. Frank S. Gifford Auditor. George r. Hitchcock Fruster for 5 years- Clarence Brown Diacon for +years. Bertie E. Campbell con fort yes to take the place of Des, 199. times Blair Vercy n. Moore. Everett randen Trustee-1 yr. Standing Comm . Hester Sherman mabel Peirce Ethel Spooner.
& Suph. Puch manter Vyman's Representative - Clarence Reich It was wanted that a report be made to the standing committee it what
the Layman be added to the Standing Committee and that a new amendment be made to the By - laws . Mrs. Manter explained about the changes to be made by the Ladies Dinevalent society in the Church kitchen with the approval of the Trustus It was also left in the hands of Mr. manter and the janitor to hold services either upstairs or downstairs until Easter according to the weather. Itwas also suggested that the Committee in charge of the Post War Service try to make the goal which was the allotment for the Brimfield - but not to accept
23-4
the designated ellatiment ate of thanks wanted on to be extended the members in charge of refreshments. 1 motion made & seconded to adjourn
theport 1
The Fidelis Group has completed Fedeles a very satisfactory year. the have Group. given $100.00 to the Church, #50 of this was given in January and the other 50 in November 1945. The have earned our money in various ways. it our annual picnic in July we had a " white seohant" sale.
In Istaber we held a bridge party and sale. The continue with our yearly Sunshine penny- boxes, a penny each day the sun shines. Our project of giving bibles for the Sunday School has been
The officers the the same is lash - year . - Respectfully submitted Busharine It. Ladd Secretary
Ladies Linerment efter a successful year in Society 1975, the Ladies Genevalent Society is looking forward to wrecker in 1946.
Not many projects were. undertaken because of war restrictions, etc. The Missionary projects for the year included boxes sent to pleasant Hill academy and to
235
It. Berthold He contributed 415.00 to the ted Trade. theo our regular quarterly. instalments of $ $ 20.00 each to the Church.
Two suppers were put on during the year and two days are being rehearsed For performance in the near future. The are planning to make a start next year on remodeling The Church kitchen Respectfully submitted Bacherine Hasson Secretary.
as we look back over the year, 1945, we Pastori can see much both in the life of the church Report for 1945 Per. John G. und the community to bring us satisfaction. We have seen the end of was both in Europe and in the Pacific and we're glad. to see a number of young men and women returning home. you have shown your attitude of thanksgiving in many ways. I feel that one of them was the manner Manter, in which you responded to the services of thanksgiving both on FE Day and on V.J. Day. He are now reaching a time when we should no longer feel that we have to restrict the number of meetings which we hold and the Church should stand ready to launch a full program in the coming year. For Mrs. manter, my family and me, this year has been one of rich experience as live have learned to know you better and appreciate your fellowship. We are grateful to you for the way in which you have cooperated with us in the work lof the Church and for the genuine friendship which you have extended to us.
236
I shall try to recall to you some of the outstanding events of the year . Early in February we had a Pelgrim Fellowship Banquet with Rev. Ernest Hurschoff of Bare as our speaker. Tethough this banquet was not as well attended is we had hoped plans are being made to hold another one this year. The first Friday in Lent was observed by "The World Day of Grayer " Service sponsored by the women of the Church. Although many feet that this service deserved a larger attendance it was gratifying that a good number did respond to this important service in the Church year. This year the Standing Commetter are recommending that the Service be held in the evening and again be sponsored by the women of the Church. The Holland and Brinified Churches united for a communion service at this Church on Holy Thursday. at this time Mrs. Ruth Friske was received into the fellowship of our church by letter. I feel that this service is one in which we might yearly join in fellowship with the Holland Church and that it might be well for we to go to Holland this year. Easter Sunday was ushered in by at Sunrise Service at the home of Mr. + Mrs. Charles Deland. The regular moring Service was well attended with a congregation of about one hundred sixty. This is a goal toward which we might well strive for our regular congregations which are a little less than a third that number One of the important events for the Church was the Mother of Laughter Banquet which was held in May. The Standing Committee is recommending that we hold he Banquet again this year. Mrs. Charles nichols gave a fine. address and all those - who helped in the program made the event very successful. I hopebet may become an
937
annual affair for the mother and daughters of the community sponsored by the Church. This event should set an example for the men and boys of the Church and encourage them to have a Father and Son Banquet. In may and June invitations were extended To the Grange to observe Rural Life Sunday as our guests, to the American Legion and auxiliary to observe Memorial Sunday and to the Masonic Lodge in Monson to observe Saint John's Sunday. Allofthese organizations very courteously accepted and we evere happy to have them with us in a body On Children's Day the Sunday School did very well in taking charge of the morning Service, at this berouce cas children received the sacrament of baptism. During two weeks in July a very successful Vacation Church School was held under the leadership of Mrs. Robert Streeter, mes. Manter, Miss Shirley Hicks, Miss Elizabeth Dresser and myself. This was a cooperative project with Holland about fifteen children came from Holland and twenty-five from Brimfield. We are looking forward to holding another such school next year and have already teachers in mind He were very fortunate during the weeks of my vacation to have trof Robert S. Ilingworth, Rev. Jester & Evare and Rer. William C. Prentiss to fill the pulpit. observed World- Hide Communion Sunday on October Joh and made the service even more meaningful to the Church by welcoming into our fellowship eleven new members bringing our membership up to 110 00 hat date. We were glad to have the Jonerican Legion and the American Legion auxiliary with us again on Armistice Sunday. He observed the Harvest Estra in late October and enjoyed the beautiful decorations arranged by miss Gladys Heller. The Christmas Season was observed
239
appropriately with a Family Night on Friday the 14th of December, at which time a very effective Christmas program was given by the Church School, the Morning Service on Christmas Sunday which was well supported by the music of the choir and a candlelighting service on Christmas Eve followed by the singing of carols at the homes of the shut-ins by the young people. During the year I have tried to keep up my calling in your homes. I regret, have not done more. I hope all of you will try to tell me when anyone is sick or in trouble so that I may call on them, astry to help them in some way.
The young Geople's Pilgrim Fellowship has been meeting at the parsonage on Sunday evenings at 7:30. The young people have attended rallies at South Congregational Church, at Itest Springfield and in Harren The Harren youth group were our guests in november at which time Rev. Enoch Hughes of Palmer was our speaker after a fellowship supper together. The Pilgrim Fellowship has been selling neckties for the Anexit of the Committee on Har Victims and Reconstruction The group has been very small not averaging more than six in attendance ik the regular meetings on Sunday evening but I feel that those present have received some real benefit from the meetings I think some progress has been made, but still much more can be done.
The young men are returning from the service and now I feel is the time to organize a young adult group. I shall be spending a good deal of effort in that direction in the next few weeks and I know of no better way of celebrating youth week than by the organization of such a group. The have tried now for a year holding
239
the Sunday School before Church and having the Sunday School present at the first part the Church Service. I feel that this plan is working well and I am glad to have the children with us for the first part of the morning worshop . Two years ago it was suggested that article, section it of the Constitution be changed so that instead of reading, "The annual meeting of the church shall be held during the two weeks next preceding the first Sunday, in January what it read that the meeting be need sometime in april. I suggest that you discuss that matter further und of the majority here be in favor of such a change that an amendment be drawn up to be voted on at a special meeting after the morning service sometime in the near future to be announced on the Calendar. I showed like to call your attention to our responsibility in the Post Har Emergency Program. This has set the goal for this church at 323 a year for the next three years for the regular missionary apportionment, and $109 a year for the next three years for the work of the Commetter on Har Victims and Geconstruction, or a dollar a member . The first amount we are proposing to raise largely by your pledges, using the benevolent side of your duplex envelopes. I hope most of you will make a definite pledge to missions but if some of you cannot I hope you will put at least something in the benevolent side of your envelope every Sunday He shall probably have to depend largely on church members to meet this responsibility, although we may receive some money from friends of the Church for this purpose I have tried to break down into weeks what would be necessary for each individual to give in order.
240
to reach our goal. at least forty-two people will have to average fifteen cents a week, or sixty-two will have to everage ten cents a week, or twenty- five will have to average twenty- five cents a week, Some churches are trying to get more than their yearly good out of the way the first year so that it will be easier later if the economic condition of the country groves worse. I hope that we shall be willing to accept this goal that the Hampden association has set for us. Our Treasurer tells me that only a few have given to missions. Let us all try to do something so that we all can have a share in doing this very important work. The #109 for the work of the Committee on Har Victims and Reconstruction you have voted to meet by the Sacrificial Gift Plan which I shall explain more fully on Sunday morning, and for which I shall have. envelopes then, unless some of you want to take some tonight. It is proposed that this gift be raised by your making some planned sacrifice each week so that others who have lost so much may have something. This money should be given monthly in special envelopes which are designed for this Sacrificial Gift Plan. In view of the fact that I feel that the Cross is one of the most meaningful and powerful symbols in our Christian faith and that the Cross is being used a great deal in our Congregational Churches I suggested at the west meeting of the Standing Committee that we consult you about your attitude in securing a Cross to beused as a center of worship on the communion table
2.11 L
in our Church Sanctuary. It is my feeling that in a community such as this where we have many in our congregation who have come from other denominations that the Cross would mean much in bending us closer together. On the other hand I realize that there may be some people who for some reason or other are not in favor of the Cross used in this manner. I feel that we should have the Cross if it would aid your worship and think it would for many of you, butd do believe at the same time it would be a mistake to introduce it if it was not in keeping with your desire. I wanted to know your feeling before taking steps in encouraging any group within the Church or individual to give us sucha Cross.
In order to make easier the election of officers I should like to suggest a proposal recently discussed at the meeting of the Standing Committee that a nominating committee of three be appointed by the Standing Committee at least two weeks before the annual meeting to choose a state of officers for nomination.
During the past year we have been gratified by the welcoming of fifteen new members into our Church fellowship, but ure have also been saddened by the death of two loyal and devoted members, Mr. Charles Device and Mr. James Blair. although we are. confident that they have been called to a closer fellowship with God they will be greatly missed and it will be easy to take their place.
242
I hope and trust that by divine guidance and with minds + hearts constantly alert to Christ's spirit and examples we shall go forward in our task of spreading the spirit of the Sington.
Report of Brimfield Sunday School Jan. 1945 to Jan. I946
In looking over the work of the Sunday School for the past year, we find that in addition tothe regular Sunday lass sessions and worshi services various activities have been carried on. On children's Day the pupils presented a program at the morning worship service of the church in which they showed some of the things they had been studying during the year.
The Sunday Scholl closed for the months of July and August but many of our children attended the vacation Bible "School during the summer.
Sunday School opened in the fall with Rally day and on this Sunday and on one other Sunday Bilbles were presented to a number of pupils so that now all children of the Sunday school In the Junior or older classes have Bibles. We try to have these used in both the worship services and in the classes and encourage Bible reading at home. Beginning last January 1944 The Sunday school has been held at Ten o'clock and the children attend the first part of the church service.
In November a parent- teachers'meeting was held. At this time Mrs. Josephine Nichols of Springfield came and gave an inspirational ta talk. The teachers explained their work to their pupils' parents. Altho only a few parents attended all the teachers from both Holland and Brimfield came and felt it was a worthwhile start toward more cooper- ation between home and church school. Mrs. Nichols has promised to come again this winter to help the teachers make a flannelograph for use in making Pible stories more real.
The teachers are meeting monthyl for planning, inspiration and 1 discussion of the bible and methods of teaching.
The Sunday School presented their Christmas Program at the Church Family Night held in December. We were well pleased by the large number
243
1946
april
Miss Gladys Laird was granted a letter of dismissal
Clifford ancien asked for a letter of transfer and it was moved und seconded that the matter be left in the Pastor's hands.
May 5
Miss Shirley Hicks was received into the membership of the Church, by Confession of Faith Mrs. Bertha Harrington and Mrs. annie Lawrence were appointed as delegates to the Hampden County association meeting
Left 29 Miss Ethel Spooner and Mrs. Bertha Harrington were elected as delegates to the Face meeting of the Hampden association at Ludlow. let. 27 Motion was made and seconded that the amendment of a nomenesting committee and for the layman's representative added to the Standing Committee to be laid aside. motion made and seconded that Laila Peirce, Barbara Brown and Gladys Coon be received into the membership of the Church by Confession of Faith on next Sunday november 3rd.
nov 16
motion made and seconded that the moderator appoint the nominating Committee this year. Problem of nominating committee discussed at annual meeting, also moved
of parents present.
The Cradle Roll Department has been organized with Mrs. Ruby Smit as Superintendent.
The Sunday School enjoyed a picnic at Little Alum Pond. About fift attended.
A piano was given for use in the Primary Department by the Hampden Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
We now have a combined secretary and treasuer in the person of Mis Ethel Spooner and she devoted all her time omx of Sunday School to this important part of our work . Our records have been much improved. We now have a card file of every child in the Sunday School on which w keep information that is valuable to teachers and superintendent. With out this assistance from Miss Spooner the superintendent would have bee unable to teach on e of the classes for which no teacher could be found
In presenting the record of attendance I think it helpful to divide the year.
January thru June 1945- Enrollment 55- Av. Attendance33- Av. Contrib.$I $ 1.96 2.05
Sept. 1945 thru Dec. 1945-Enrollment 51- Av. Attend. 39 -- Av. Contrib. "$2.59
The Sunday School continues as a World Service School with a monthly missionary offering and mission study during the year. The
following service projects were carried on by the Sunday School: Thanksgiving Offerings to Home for Little Wanderers Christmas Packages to ?War Victims
Christmas Program Offering sent to Committeee for War Victims and Recon struction. Die
Respectively submitted,
Buck M. Manter Supt
243
1946
april
Miss Gladys Laird was granted a letter of dismissal
Clifford accion asked for a letter of transfer and it was moved und seconded that the matter be left in the Pastor's hands.
mayo
Miss Shirley Hicks was received into the membership of the Church, by Confession of Faith. Mrs. Bertha Harrington and Mrs. Annie Lawrence were appointed as delegates to the Hampden County association meeting
Sept 29 Miss Ethel Spooner and Mrs. Bertha Harrington were elected as delegates to the Face meeting of the Hampden association at Ludlow. let. 27 Motion was made and seconded that the amendment of a nominating committee and for the layman's representative added to the Standing Committee to be laid aside. motion made and seconded that Laila Perce, Barbara Brown and Gladys Coon be received into the membership of the Church by Confession of Faith on next Sunday november 3rd.
nov. 16
motion made and seconded that the moderator appoint the nominating Committee this year. Problem of nominating committee discussed at annual meeting, also moved
214
seconded that the laymani representative be added to the Standing Committee.
Letters of transfer to the Plantaville, Conn, Congregational Church were granted to Go .. Mrs. Norman M. mar Leed.
400 Letter of transfer from Clifford aucoin voted on to be accepted.
The annual meeting was opened annual by a congregation singing of" The Meeting Church's One Foundation"
Scripture reading was read by Dev. John G. mantel. and also led the congregation in Grayer. The Fall coll was answered with 14 members present. The Clerk's report was read by Mrs. Worthy bad accepted by 1 The Treasure's report was not read as Mr. Frank Shefford stated in a letter that the books were taken to the auditor early in December and as Mr. Hitchcock, the auditor has been i'll was unable to make a report. No auditors report was read. The Trustee's report, read by William D Spooner, was accepted. The pastor's report was read& accepted. The Sunday School. Sept. Report was read by Mrs. Ruth manter + accepted The Ladies Benevolent Society report was read by Ethel Spooner a accepted
January
8,
1947
2.15
The Fidelis Group thepost was read by Mrs. Horby and accepted.
a letter of resignation as duties of Treasurer was received from Mr. Frank S. Gifford. This letter is on file. Mr. William Spooner read the report of the nominating Committee. Mr. Bertie Campbell asked to be resigned from his duties of as Deacon, and Mr. Everest Landen requested his name as Treasurer be drawn from the ballet and have the nominating committee search for a member who could fill Mr. Gifford's position as Mr. Landen's business - makes it rather difficult for him to be in town as much as he showed bc.
motion made and seconded that action be taken on all members except Treasures & Fruitce until the nominating committee could look into the matter of Mr. Gifford's resignation further. The nominating committee consists of Barbara Wood, alice Matheson. and William D. Spooner. an amendment was made and accepted that this committee be the committee to handle the report to an adjourned session of a meeting the 1st Sunday in February. Mr. Spooner suggested Mr. manter helpske nominating committee and this was voted upon and accepted.
The following officers were vated on and accepted by a cast vote of the clerk.
moderator - Click- Treasurer. auditor Trusties :
Clarence Brown
Mary Storby
George W. Hitchcock
246
Примно-
Clarence Brown 4 yrs . Roe Clark
I already on William Spooner vyps. Trustees Board James Hatch 1 age . not wated upon at this meeting.
Deacons.
Bertie E. Campbell-
Emeritus
Clarence Brown.
Percy moore- Fred. Bissell -
2 yrs. ) not voted 1 gr. J upon or chi
Пережетель.
Fred Worky. 4 yes.
Church School Supt .- Mrs. John manter. Layman's representative. Clarence Feith.
Ettel Spooner Standing Committee. mabel Terce dexter Sherman
New Business was then taken up. The moderator was authorized to elect 3 members for the nominating committee for the next annual meeting It was voted upon that the moderator be a member ex officio of the Standing Committee. Voted upon that the 3 elective members of the Standing Committee not be reelected after 3 years, and also for the Trustees not to be re-elected at the end of their term. The Rural Workers Conference to be held in Maine in June- voted that offering on rural life Sunday or the amount of of 10:00 from funds of the church be used to heep in sending some youth to the conference. Motion made and seconded the annual meeting be at recess until
Commetter is ready to report on Treasurer and trustee.
weship Jan. 1. 1946 male 76 Female 33 Total 109
admission 0
by Letter !
Confortoch 0 4 11 37
114 Proval X og Letter 2 2
TOTAL 75 35
110
NONE BY DEATH. To JANUARY 1.1947.
rustico Report.
Jan. 3. 1942 your trustees hereby make their annual report. Their work for the year was largely routine but several items for the betterment of the church property were undertaken. The had the church spire painted, installed all- burning steam heat at the parsonage, erected a chimney. at the parsonage and repaired the porch share The driveway approches to the church have been hardened with vil
Mr. Otto anderson was appointed as Janitor of the church. Mr. Stendell Phillips was employed as chorister and under his leadership the choir is doing fine work. Respectfully submitted Helianth Spooner, Clock.
During the year 1946 the Fidelis Group has continued to assist in Report the financial aid of the church. It has purchased the bibles for the 1946 Sunday School and given money
Fedelio
245
Pastor's
Rev. JohnG. manter
for the running expenses ofthe church. Our group, though small in number has earned money in various ways. Que sunshine boxes continue to yield a surprising sum each year. He had sur annual picnic and white elephant sale at Little alum Lake in July.
A series of small bridge parties helped our Treasury. The Group gave to the annual Red Cross drive in the spring. Respectfully seth mitted Sacharine W. hadd. Seey. The Justos Sport, As we look back over the year , gate, in the lifeof Report for the First Cong. Church of Brumfield there is much to give 1946 us a sense of satisfaction , but still we find that there is much to be done. We have just passed three the first complete year since the ending of hostilities and enjoy in our community the presence of most of the young men and women who were away in the service . If this year we have seen a good deal ofactivity in changing the physical aspect of the Church property. We have witness the painting of the Church steeple , we have seen the surface of two of the driveways and the area directly in front of the Church, we have seen the planting of trees and shrubs , and is the parsonage a new heating plant has been installed an the porch roof and floor repaired. We are grateful to the assistance of the Village Improvement Society for assistance in the surfacing of the roads , to the Grange und Nico Glady Webber for furnishing money to buy a Norway Maple and two shrubs which have been set by the rear northeast door. The parsonage family are both grateful and enjoying pleasant and warm winter in the parsonage as a result, the oil heater and steam system.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.