USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Brimfield > Brimfield Congregational Church Records - Vol. VII 1930-1947 > Part 4
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
this year we have also made two pledges of $5.00 each to the National CE. Assoc. of which half is used for home missionaries and half for work abroad
Betty Brown, Pres.
59
Auditor
Organ Fund
report given or rather stated by This. Robinson, that the auditor Thr. Frank Gifford had had the Church books and had approved? and signed them!
Mr. Clarence Brown reported for the Organ fund, that in some wa yo the prospects were encouraging for people seemed to appreciate what the church had done in improving the church and installing a pipe organ, and yet that many of the people who made pledges in good faith that they could meet them, had found it very difficult to meet them and in some instances had failed to meet them. The report shows that there is yet a note of about $ 100 at the Salmer Bank. at this time Mr. Brown gave the members a partial report from the Parish. The sentiment was again expressed that the Parish should be abolished and that the church would be better able to carry on its work. Constantly money is being given over to the Parish treasurer for the upkeep of the church and intended to give the church credit for the same, but the church treasurer does not get the credit of it on the church books. This report, Mr. Brown felt that the church members should hear so as to know the financial status of the church. This report was far from encouraging because it shows a long list of unpaid bills which show that the church and townspeople who are interested in maintaining
60
the church must rally to the support of the church in a big way this next year. Suggestions for ways of helping the church raise funds were requested and asked to be given to the church committee. Upon motion of Mr. Brown it was voted to extend a hearty Date of thanks to the Fidelio Class of the Sunday School for their generous gift to the support of the church in the Thanksgiving offering.
Motion
Pastor's Report
Mr. Mathews, the Pastor, gave a brief report of the year's work. We stated that some of his report would be repetition but that there is value in reviewing things and re-emphasing them. He spoke of the loss to the church of three of our members this past year. He also spoke of the sudden death of a dear friend of the church, Mrs. Baxter, Mrs. Harrison Brown's mother. Mr. Mathews reports a banner yes, at least, it is for our church inthat he has performed 6 marriage ceremonies this past fear Three of these took place in the church auditorium and three in the private homes. On February we had the pleasure of hearing Mr. White and his wife address us at our morning service: In april Mr. Harry Stock, one of the editors of the Christian Endeavor world spoke to us. In July Mr. Bliss the Chair man of the Congregational Conference addressed us. On one
31
Sunday during Mr. Mathews vacation. we heard Mr. Cummings of Warrent. Mr. Mathews commented very favorably upon the spirit of cooperation. of the church members and townspeople in the welfare of the church. He believes that the church will win in the fight against debt, because they have the right attitude and are willing to give not only of money but of their time He expressed thanks for the things they did enjoy- that there might be lots of things they would like differently but that they were glad just to be here among congenial people.
Election at this time, the officers Officers; reports having been given we proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, The following officers were nominated and duly elected. Clerk -
Gladys H. Campbell Treasurer + Collector _ Mrs. Marian Robinson auditor- Mr. Frank Gifford
Deacon for 4 years Mr. Wallace Moore-Itvotes Mr. B. E. Campbell - 8 votes Motion: That the loose collections be used as in previous years, namely. the first two Sundays for home expenses and the last two for three for Benevolences. Amendment. Motion made and carried art. I that article I Sect 6 of the Sect. 6 By Laws or Standing rule shall read thus. The church shall hold an
62
annual meeting during the time two weeks preceeding the first Sabbath in January, at which time the rule shall be read, and a report of the Church presented by the Pastor or Clerk of the Church. The motion was Imade that suchan amendment be made and so, voted.
Retired a motion was made that List those members from whom no word has been received for several years to be left to the discretion of the Clerk) should be placed on a retired list. Mr. Moore stated that the com mittee from the Sunday School had been asking Mrs. Te. Ed gar Brown to consider the Su pt. of the Primary Dept. of the church school but that she felt unable to do the work for another year. therefore, he madethemotion that the clerk be instructed to write a letter to Mrs. Brown to express the appreciation of the church to her for her many years of faithful and most efficient work among the young people of our church.
Motion: to use the envelope system again this next year. Motiv: To let same committee for raising funds, continue for the coming years, namely, Mrs. Robinson Tnr. CB. Brown Gladys H. Campbell
63
Meeting adjourned and a social time was enjoyed by all those present, when corn was popped and luscious apples were served to all.
Respectfully submitted, Gladys . Campbell, Clerk.
Jan . ", 1934.
The Church members were called together for a short business meeting at the close of the morning service. Mr. Mathews acted as moderator. mr. C. B. Brown explained that at the Parish meeting - a suggestion had been made to hold the churchservice in the vestry when itwas extremely cold, to conserve on fuel and the parish wished the church members to take some action with regard to this. Therefore the following motion was made and carried:
Motion That on severely cold and stormy Sundays, when it would be difficult to hear the church auditorium, the services he held in the church vestry. This matter to be decided upon or left to the judgment of the Janitor and the Pastor. Gladys If. Campbell, Clerk
March 25, 1934
The names of Miss Mary Lillian Howard and arthur Edgar Brown were presented for church membership, upon confession of faith.
April 8 1934 The following candidates :- Miss Mary Lillian Howard of Southbridge
64
and arthur Edgar Brown of Brimfield, were accepted as recommended by the Standing Committee and were received into our membership by Mr. Mathews.
May 6, 1934 The following persons were received into membership our church after having been duly recommended and voted upon: - Clarence Howard Keith, allen Forrest Keith, Claudine Edna Dickinson and Beatrice May Dickinson.
Annual Meeting Jan. 5, 1935.
The annual meeting of the First Congregational Church was held January 5, 1935. short devotional period was contracte d'by our Pastor, Rev. Burleigh V. Mathews. Streeterwas unanimously elected to serve as our Moderator after which the standing rules of the church were read. at the Roll Call there were 47 responss and 20 members present,
The first report called for was from our Pastor. He reviewed some of the work carried ow in the interests of the church and also highly of the amount of voluntary service given by many members. He hited the average church attendance for the year was 44 while the
65
Membership.
average of the Sunday evening Prayer Meetings was 7. He mentioned his ministry of calling and expressed the desire for Church members to cooperate withhimin notifying him of sick members and friends, sothat he would not nogle cf a n y om reported that the young People Society had conducted two of aw regular Sunday morning services one of which meetings was in charge of the Hampden County assoc. of CE the other, our local society, at which time they presented Mr. Charles Deland who related his experiences in a recent trip around the world. Mr. mathews mentioned, the annual County Church meetings held at Thorndike and Southwick
respectively and of our attendance The report of the Church Clerk was then given, approved and accepted as read. The membership was reported as follows: Membership , qt 4. Total male. 35 Female 15 110 Retiredlist : " £6- 7 / male 29 - Female 74 - 10,3 Lost by death Feb. 20, 1934, Mrs. Emma Brown; June 1 6, 1934 Mr. Melvin Booth and July 29,1934 Mrs. Fred Bissell. Wereceived six new members upon pro- fession of faith.
Membership Jan. 5,1935 - Total
male - 31 - Female 75 106 The Church Treasures, Mr. Marion I Robinson gave her report which was accepted as follows: (Il special note was the fact that
66
1 specialeffe ig from members and loyal friends brought us $ 209.75.
"Mars 26 a. C. Ballantyne) Flowers for Mrs. E.M. Brown $ 5.00
Loose Change for Home Expenses. 11 26 6. 3. Brown, Treas. Expended. for parah 10.30 June 2.5 GB. Brown Treas for parish 19.50 Sept. 4 Palmer Flower Shop Flowers, for Mas Ruth Bissell 5.00 17 W. S. Moore Communion Supplies for year Oct. 1 CM Brown Treas. for Parish 41.55 5.00 " 2.2 Hampden Co. Ass. of Churches Dec. 22 membershiptax 110 @ 15 / 16.50 O. S. Brown Postage 1.42
total paid $104.27
Report Church Offering Loose Changes.
1st Quarter Mrs. M. E. Streeter Cash from de niner for Church - $ 3.00 Collection at Church 12.30 2nd Quarter
Collections 19.50
3 rd Quarter- Collections 21.07
aug. 26, 1934 Collection from H. F. a. alumni 30.48
4th quarter- Collections
17.92
$104.27 heim Thanksgiving Offering Envelopes. Dec. 2 /1 9
$ 96.80 101. 75 8.00 4.00
/1 10
30
$ 209.75 Paid to CB. Brown Treas for parish $ 209.75 Marian Robinson Church Freas.
67
1 St Quarter 2nd Quarter. 3 rd quarter 4 th Quarter
11.00 20.00 15.00 17.30
Total 63.30 Och. 28 From Sunday School 3.00
66.30 Paid Mass. Congl Conference for Missions all moneyH received (Paid quarterly by check) 6.3. 30 Och. 28
Cash from Sunday School was paid Cent a Meal for Missions 3. 00 Total $ 66. 30
Marconi Robinson, Church Freas.
envelopes report of Money given for Church Home Home expenses from weekly expenses envelopes checks and other
ways :- Have collected and turned over
to the Parish Treas. carence 691.15
B. Brown
Marian I Robinson Church Treas.
The Woman's Missionari Society reported through Mrs. Robinson and the following report was approved as read :-
ninemembers @ 254 $ 2.25 Collections at 4 meetings 5.35 Special gift for flower .. 3.00 Feb. 17 Miss Julia T. Brown 6.00 Oct.
Miss Gladys Webber 5.00 Marion Robinson 3.00 Mrs. B. G. Campbell 2.00 Nov. Offering at Silver Tea 4.85
Total $ 3
Noman's lissionary Society.
Report Church Offerings Loose Collections for Benevolences.
65
de il Ije a her X8 2.00 2 1.00 Dec- Freight on barrel to atlanta, Ga. 1. 79 Mas. a C. Kallartyres
"Flowers for Mrs. & M. Brown) 3.00 Sept. Hampden Co assessment £1.00 Oft Mass Congl. Com for Missions 10.00 Speaker Was Wyle 1 2.00 transportation) 3.10 Dec. Express onboh to atlanta 2.00 Pass. Congl. Con for Missions, 5.00 11
$30.79
Cash on hand, .66
$31.45
Marrone Robinson, Treas
Ladies' The Ladies' Benevolent
Benevolent Somety's report was read by Society. Mrs. Streeter and showed a balance of $ 132.00.
Sunday Thr. allen Keith, treasurer School of the Sunday School gave his report which was accepted as follows :- "First Quarter-
Ca. Lowhand- Jan. 6, 1 9 3 4 $ 10.90
Ten'd from collections 27.35
Birthday bank fund 3.67
Paid out - supplies 19.32 2.00
Flowers
Total receipts $ 41.92
expenditures 21. 32
Balance $ 20.60 Second Quarter
april 1- Cash on hand $ 20.60 Rec'd from collections 26.23 Paidbut-supplies - 1 4. 46 Flowers 1.75
Total receipts
$ 46.83
89
Total expenditures 16.2.1 Balance $ 30.62.
Third Quarter
1
July, Cash on hand
$ 30. 62
Read from collections 23.84 Laid out for supplies 14.58 Flowers 5.00
Sunday School picnic 6.00 Total receipts 5 4. 16
expenditures 25.5 8
Balance $ 28.88 Fourth Quarter
11
Och 1- Cash on hand $ 28.88
1
Reed from collections 2.7.78 Birthday Bank Fund 3.29 Paid out supplies 20.27 Flowers 5.00 For repair of clock 1.150 + Christmas candy 9.24 Total receipts 5 9.95 Total expenditures 36.01 1
2 3. 94
Balance Jan. 1, 193 5 # 24. 38 Respectfully submitted allen Hurth, Sech Treas.
no report was given for the young People' Society. Mrs Robinson reported that as yet, the books had not been audited by Mr. Gifford but that he was expected to have theright away. Mr. Clarence Brown reported that the Organ Fund has been reduced to $ 673,13. Mr. Brown also reported for the Committee on Funds and showed how the Thank Offering was to great a help in'nun
70
the expense s ) a n d ho fe d that there would be some suitable way for the town speajete to be thanked He spoke of the Parish Theoting which was to come soon and of the fact that the income an invested funds has decreased some $ 300 these last few years, which accounts to some extent at least, for the added burden of raising expenses. Voted send a letter of thanks to Thex Fidelis Class of the S.S. for their special gift to the Thank Offering
Officers The following officers of elected the Church were elected for the
ensuing years: - Gladijs H. Campbell Clerk
Everett D. Fanden Treas & Collector Mr. Frank, Gifford auditor Mr. Frederick Bissell- Deacon for 4 years. The office of treasurer which has been held by Mrs. Robinson for several years past, was declined by Mrs Robinson, due to uncertain health. Therefore, the following nominations were made with following vote:
Mrs. Harry Landen - 0 Everett D. Landen 8 Tellers :- allen Keith. Gladys H. Campbell 0 Mrs Marion Robinson-1 and Miss alma Bissell0 This. I. V. Mathews -7 Dr. William Spooner -! That the loose collections be utilized as in the past, namely the first two Sundays for Home Expenses and the last two
Gladys Campbell
Motion
71
three Sundays for Benevolences. That the envelope system be used this next year. That, if found necessary to have a committee to make a special appeal to raise fundsin the Fall, the Clerk, together with the treasurer's of Chilich and Parish should act as such a committee.
General discussion led to brief remarks by our Moderator, Mr. Streeter, who drew some interesting comparisons with a report of a Mil. Bradford relative to conditions in a church at Plymouth. There is hope for our church when we, too, attack the job. My. Clarence Brown remarked with concerns that our young people are not active enough in the church work to be interested, and expressed the hope that something might be done to retain them. Meeting adjourned: Gladys H. Campbell Clerk.
Tay 7, 1935. The 85th annual meeting of the Hampden association of Congregational Churches and Ministers was held at the Oliver Community House in Springfield. a most inspiring
meeting both afternoon and evening. I believe more of our members should attend there meetings. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews attended as well as your clerk. Gladys of Complete
Motion .. Motion:
72
May 16, 1935. your clerk attended the ecclesiastical council meeting which was called by members of Faith Congregational Church in Springfield, for the purpose of examining Mr. Charles Stuart nichols for ordination. By unanimous vote of the council it was voted to ordain him as a Congregational minister. This service was inspirational and very impressive.
Aug. 1, 1935. The Young People's Society had charge of the morning service. Miss Eleanor Clark acted as choir director and organist . The whole service was conducted by the young People and they presented as the speaker of the morning Rev. Earl Vinney of the East Congregationad Church of Springfield Mr. Paul Samson sang a solo.
Oct. 10, 1935. The Semi- annual Hampden Country meeting was held at Ludlow Center, Mass. Dr. Potter was the speaker. Sev. and Mrs. mathews attended this meeting. Nov. 11, 4 35 The young People took charge of the Sunday service. Mrs. Harry Day and seven young people from the Mittineaque Church presented the service. Mr. Gay gave remarks and the young People presented a play about Peace.
73
Report of Annual Church Meeting Jan. 3, 1936.
The annual meeting of the First Congregational Church was held Jan. 3, 1936. at 7:45 PM Rev. Burleigh V. Mathews called the group together for a brief devotional service. Mrs. Knowlton assisted at the piano. At the conclusion the pastor turned the meeting over to the Clerk. Mr. Robert f. Streeter was unanimously chosen to serve as Moderator of the meeting According to custom for at least the past few years, the fall Call of members was held before the business meeting. There were 42 members present and responses were sent to beread by in others making a total of 59 responses. The report of the Clerk was read and voted to be accepted as read. The membership report was as follows: membership Jan, 5, 1935 male 31 Female 75 Total 106. New Members 0 Lost by death On Sept 13, 1935 Miss Julia J. Brown died and was brought here for burial. Miss Brown will bemissedin many ways for she was the oldest church member at that time, being 92 years old. although away from Brimfield for many years she always remained a loyal member and supported it by regular contributions and always responded. promptly to the clerk's letter with reference to annual meetings. She visited the church after the new organ was installed and was much pleased with the fine new appearance of the Church auditorium.
Pastor's Report
membership farv. 3, 1936 Vale 31 Female 74 Total 105. Then, Mr. Streeter read such parts of the Standing Rules as pertained to meetings and elections of Officers The report of the Pastor, Rev. Burleigh V.Mathews was given and is as follows :-
I believe the year just closed has been a successful one, though if we were to rely entirely on statistics, we could hardly call it so. But if we rather look at the spirit of the people, and the progress that has been registered incertain lines, we shall be justified in thinking of it as something in which we can rejoice. In the first place, the number of weddings has taken a decided drop. this year. In 1934, there were five in which your minister officiated, three of them, in the church, this year, there has been but one widding, and that took place at the Parsonage. Another wedding was solemnused in town during the absence of the minister on vacation, and this would have been added to the list, had he been on duty, as usual. But while there is life there is hope, and we have every reason to trust that the young people will not fail us, in the long run and that this year will show a more creditable record than 1 935. Now as to some material improvements :- I do not recallmentioning in last year's report, the new kitchen range which the Ladies Benevolent Society, a little over a year ago, installed for us in the Parsonage. Now that there has been time to give it a thorough testing, we are pleased to inform you that it works to a charm. Is a heater, and a cooking stove, it leaves little to be desired, and we are very grateful to the members of the Society for their generosity in making this improvement possible . In this connection to, we might mention, new faucets in the kitchen, installed this past year , and several new light
75
fixtures, very kindly repaired by one of the me of the church In line with these things, we may come! to the improvements on the Church Will, made this autumn by volunteer workers, under the direction and inspiration of the Village Improve- ment Society. This undertaking has inlisted the interest and cooperation of many different ones- - not to mention the ladies who prepared two delicious dinners at the vestry, for the hungry pick and shovel crew from the hillside. The men say that two or three more, this spring, will finish the eastern slope of the hill, and clear the way for be- ginning on some other portion of the tract. I am sure we all greatly appreciate the public spirit, and willingness to work for the church , as so many have done , and we know that the results will be a much more beautiful plot of ground, about the church. Now to the vestry -- which really speaks for itself. You know how much it was in need of attention, a few weeks ago; and how the Fidelis Class members came to the rescue, and put in funds to re-decorate the ceiling and walls of the room, so that now it is not only much. lighter and pleasanter, butsurely for more tidy and ornamental. Our thanks go out to them, and to the men ( or man) who fixed the window weights, and the men who put in the new, stream lined platform! All these tasks so well done have added amazingly to the beauty of the sunday School room where so much time is spent, first and last, in meetings and entertainments. He partly realiz the year devotion involved , and the hard work theyhave all alone, in carrying this project though to completion, with firing colors. In relation to these matters of repairs or improvement of physical plant , may -tell you of two" letter we have received that give us much encourage ment. One from Mr. Samuel U. French, nephew of Mro. Myron. Chamberlain of Doctor, inquiring about paid to the Parsonage uted lug. 1, 1985.) The other is from, We. Crimes of Chicago, and only two or three days ago. (Setter read) In both these cases, the attachment to the old home town, and especially, to the church, come out
76
in clear relief, and we rejoice that they, and so many other good friends, are thinking of us and wishing for our comfort and success. This year, we have lost a number of friends -- about 15, in all, who have been or were, this year, either members of the church. or, in most of the cases, people living in town, or former citizens , who were brought here for burial . among them , were the last two Grand army men, Col. Hamilton, and Mr. Wilcox. We shall miss all these older people to whom we have been accustomed so long. And especially tragic was the passing of the two men in November, whose departure has been so continually in our minds and on our hearts. ever since. Our sympathy and prayers go out for the ones who remain , and we all, I am sure, ask God to be merciful to these who mourn, that they may be comforted.
as to the organizations associated with the church , or a part of it, --- the Sunday School report as give , you will see that the instruction of the children and young people is progressing well . We are blessed with a very efficient Superintendent , and Primary Superintendent , and they are assisted by other faithful officers , and a corps of teachers who are working hard to make the school as effective as possible. The young People's wiety also reports for itself, and I would like to call attentionto the fact that they have been remarkably good in attendance upon the meetings. In closing, may Isay a word about membership and church attendance. as you notice, we have ad mitted no new members this year; but I expect a number of accessions between now and Envond of the school year, and we plan to have a class for meeting with candidates, and helping them to understand the meaning of church membership; and we shall try to start this class soon. We are glad to know that several soung people are thinking of uniting with the church and we shall need them , and all the counsel and help that they can give. With reference to church attendance, as you know, the falling off in attendance in many churches throughout
77
the land has awakened the national Council to the med of steps to remedy this failing, and they are ad- vising churches what to do, and how to improve conditions, and increase the numbers of those who come for worship . We shall discuss these questions with the church committee, and see what may be done to add to the total attendance on Sundays. at the moment, one suggestion comes to mind, and that is, that each member feel that it is his responsibility to be present as often as he can- ana that he attend, with a certain regularity- for example, either every Sunday; or once in two weeks ; once a month, or at some interval that may be possible, in the circumstances of his case. If some plan of this kind is followed, we shall be sure of greater numbers, and along with that , greater enthusiasm for the work of God's kingdom , and that is really what church services use for. We find on looking over the record for the year that we have called about 350 times, or an average of about one a day the hope to improve on this during 1936, because it is a pleasure to see you people in your homes and we are always grad when we start out to see you there. That reminds me of one other point, last but not least -- the people of the church and town have been most generous and kind, in the many nice things they have done jorus as a family, this past year. the have received many kindnesses- from members of the church ; from other serions associated with it; and from people not attending church, and not connected especially with its activities. The deeply prize all three bu denes of their low, and fri maship and we wish themto he now that we do not forget a undervalue their courtesy and thoughtfulness. There warm hearted acts have oftentouched our hearts, and we not only thank you, and the rest who have done such things; but we often thank God that we are privileged to work in a town
75
when the people its as human , and so kad und considerate. Thay God Bless you, and prouver you this new year!" The report for the sunday School
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.