USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Brimfield > Brimfield Congregational Church Records - Vol. VII 1930-1947 > Part 7
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
Board of Trustees. Mr. Roe Clark, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, stated that they had met regularly and that most of their work had been covered in the Treasurer's + Pastor's report so that there was no need for duplication. C.E. Meeting. Last December we elected as our
officers for the past year. President - allen Keith Vice Pres. - Grace Sherman Lech . - Barbara Ladd Treas. - Harriet Tarbell Harriet was unable to carry on the work during the summer and was suplaced by Grace Sherman. We turned all the money in our treasury over to the organ fund in June! Our Society didn't hold regular ratings through the summer and early fall. We reorganized in the fall. On July 12th the C. E. went to
117
Babb's to attend the annual roller skating party of the Eastern Hampden CE. Union which is held these every year.
On November 3, Mr. & Mrs. Mathews, allen
Keith Marjorie Kemp and Barbara Ladd,
represented the society at an officers meeting held in Palmer, of neighboring societies.
We gave a food sale December 11, in order to raise money for the annual pledge for the State CE. We made 5 at this sale. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Ladd, seck
Ladies' as a number of our members were Benevolent unable to assist, we have not earned as Society. much as usual this year.
We have given twenty five dollars towards the organ fund and have helped byserving adinner to those cleaning the Church grounds last spring.
Since the business year of our Society ended in November, a food sale given December 3rd which was quite successful, will be included in our next annual report. Respectfully submitted, Clara Bakter Brown, Sect.
Sent to Mass. Congl. Conference and Missionary Society- Boston, Mass. Special offering for missione for the First Church, Brimfield- Marian Robinson.
These reports were accepted as read to be placed on file in the Clerk's records. The following officers were July elected to serve the regular term of office.
Women's Miss. Soc.
118
Moderator - Clerk -
Clarence To. brown Gladys H. Campbell Treasurer - Everett D. Landen auditor William S. Spooner * upt. of S. V. - allen Keith Une member of Rid of muster e for 5 yrs. Mr. Frank Gifford One dracon for 4 years" Mr. Wallace &. Moore. Standing Committee (electives) 1. allen Keith 2. Other Spooner 3. Hester Sherman. Because of the fact that there' is * a duplication of election, in the office of Supt. of S. S., that is, the Church votes to elect a id the s. S. does so also, it was voted to accept the election which the SI decides this year, as also the choice of the Church, with the understanding that by amending our by- laws we eliminate this difficulty in the future.
Under new business the following amendment to art. IV Sech. I was passed
Amendment The Standing Committee of the Article IV Church shall be authorized to act for Sect. 2. the Church, by meeting with the nominating committee of the S.S. when they meet to nominate the Supt. of the S.S. The purpose of this, being, to have both the Church, and the S.S. have a voice in the selection of its Superintendent.
as there was no further business, as a special feature, Mr. Mathews requested two of our members who are away at College to tell us about their respective colleges. Elaine Phillips from Nasson College in Springdale, me and Eleanor Brown from Simmons College Boston gave very interesting talks.
119
The meeting was then adjourned. a general social time followed and we enjoyed refreshments served by a committee of ladies, with Mrs. J. Walter Brown acting as chairman! Respectfully submitted. Gladys H. Campbell, Clerk.
Feb. 6,1938. at the regular morning service, Rev. Mathews read a letter from the Pastor of The Reformed Church, Herkimer, New York, requesting a letter of dismissal from our church to that one, for Mrs. Jean Creuse Peaslee. It was voted to send such a letter for her atonce. Such a letter was sent Feb. 7th 1938.
May 4, 1938 The Hampden County assoc, of Cong. Churches spring meeting was held on May 4, 1938 at Wilbraham, Mais Ter. and Mrs. Mathews and Mr. N. S. Moore attended and heard, among others Rev. Frank Carey from Japan.
Jun - 26, 1938 June 26th 1938 was observed us alumni Sunday for the Hitchcock Free academy. Mrs. Forrester Macdonald a noted author and lectures, of Sturbridge was the speaker. Music was furnished by an alumni choir under the direction of Gladys H. Campbell, organist.
Aug. 28, 148. at a regular service the Standing Committee of the Church presented the names of Mrs. High Smith by letter and Miss Carol Smith by confession of faith for church membership. Voted to receive them into membership.
120
Sept. 4 1938 Mrs. High Smith and Thiss Carol Smith were received into church membership by Rev. Mathews.
Sept. 21,1938 On Wednesday Sept. 21, 1938 we were Hurricane visited by a fast and furious hurricane, which left such devastation in its trail that it is terrible to relate. Our little New England villages which have always stood for beautiful steepled churches on some sightly hill and surrounded by many beautiful trees, were sadly wrecked Brimfield was one of these towns so wrecked. Ky referring to history we learn that in the year 1.815 our town was visited by a hurricane which did considerable damage and where people had to seek shelter in their cellars. We were greatly disheartened when we beheld our own church, with its tall, graceful spire in a heap of splintered wood, west of the church and the roof torn of almost completely! at first we hardly dared enter the building-and when we did we were overjoyed to learn that our organ was not injured and the well rested, upside down by uncracked, in a mass of plaster and wood in the southwest corner of the auditorium. Such a task loomed before us! yet ew that we were fortunate so we did have a good foundation and four strong walls upon which to begin.
Mr. Morrison, who designed and installed our organin 1980 came out to us as soon as he learned of our low - and advised us to remove the organ for storage as the damage would about ruin our beautiful instrument. after due consideration by the Trustees his advice was heeded and he was
121
authorized to remove it and it was stored in Mr. Hoe Clark's barn until such time as the auditorium would be ready to receive it. This was done on September 27th.
THE BRIMFIELD
CHURCH
After the hurricane
September 21, 1938
W.E.CORBIN
BEFORE
B127-99.40.
BEFORE THE STORM
AFTER THE WIND
Brimfield-In the year 1815 the town of Brimfield was visited by a furious windstorm which did consid- erable damage throughout the town. Many citizens sought refuge in their cellars. Now in 1938, along with many other towns and cities Brimfield has suffered a great loss from both wind and flood.
Everyone suffered in a greater or lesser degree, but one of the greatest losses to the community as a whole was the damage to the church on the hill, an old landmark which had stood against the elements for nearly 100 years. The old Brimfield Church building has caused favorable com- ment for generations, as its style of architecture ranked it as among the best of its period. Its general setting and hilltop location have made it a perfect example of the historic church of early New England.
The above pictures show the church both before and after the storm. The problem of rehabilitation of this structure is a major one, and requires much self-sacrifice on the part of Brimfield residents. Undaunted by the size of their job, however, a commit- tee consisting of the trustees and a
group of citizens is hard at work to raise funds and rebuild substantially, using the same design and construc- tion as before. The committee is re- ceiving splendid cooperation. An ap- peal is being made by letter to resi- dents of Brimfield and many friends of the community elsewhere to ex- hibit the pioneering spirit of the fore- fathers which first made the church possible and restore to its original grace and beauty, this famous land- mark, much admired by travelers passing through this town as well as by visitors and the townspeople as a whole.
On the church hill has been placed an imitation thermometer to register subscriptions to the rebuilding fund as they are received. The committee are confident that before long the repairs to the church will be com- pleted and it will appear as for the past century, carrying forward the traditions of the early days of Brim- field.
Everett Landen is treasurer of the fund raising campaign and will be pleased to receive donations from any friends who may not be solicited by letter.
122
The Trustees called the church members and friends to a meeting at the Grand Hall, sunday October 2,1938. at this meeting opinions were freely discussed as to what was best to do about our church. It was decided to try to restore the building if possible but especially to replace the roof as soon as possible. suck work was done by Mr. Edward Fenton.
Sept. 26, 1938. Deacon and Mrs. Wallace P. Moore Mr. and Mrs. celebrated their fiftieth wedding Wallace Moore's anniversary Members and friends 50th Anniversary, called at their home. The hurricane upset their plans but later these plans materialized.
Oct. 19,1938. The fall meeting of the Hampden County association of Churches and Ministers was held on October 19th at East Church, Springfield Mr. Clarence Brown and Mr. Best Campbell attended along with Rev. and Mrs. Mathews. Mr. Brown presented the matter of our church's loss to the association and requested the association for a grant or as loan to aid us in rebuilding.
Oct.21, 1958. Ut a special meeting of the First Congregational Church held in the Town Hall on Friday, October 21, 1938 at 7: 4 P.M., the following events transpired. In the absence of Mr. Clarence Brown, Moderator, Mr. Roe S. Clark as Chairman of the Board of Trustees opened the meeting. On a voice vote put by Mr. Clark, he was elected to serve as Moderator for the Special Meeting
Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Mathews. Mr. Clark appointed Everett D. Landen to act as Clerk of the meeting.
123
Voted: Une motion of Whr. Sanden That the Church shall and by this vote does authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Trustees to borrow such a sum or sums of money as may be necessary to finance the re-construction work on the Church Building.
Remarks were made by Mr. Clark and Thr. Landen relative to the campaign to secure contributions for the re-construction work.
Voted: To adjourn. Respectfully, Everett Landen Clerk - Pro-Jem.
Copy of Letter sent out by the Trustees to Members and Friends of the Church
The recent hurricane and flood, resulting in so great a loss to our tomm, affected everyone to some degree -- no one being entirely exempt.
Now, we all are faced with the problem of rehabilitation, individually, and as a group.
Couldn't we exhibit as fine a pioneering spirit of cooperation as our forefathers exhibited in the early days, and, collectively, restore to its original condition and design a famous landmark much admired by travelers passing through, by our visitors, and by our townspeople as a whole,
"OUR CHURCH ON THE HILL?" 2.
To rebuild it to its original design and beauty is a major job, not for a few, but for everyone to participate in.
LET'S BE BUILDERS
by pledging as much as possible -- payable at once, or over a period of three years.
When the work of reconstruction is completed, don't you want to be numbered among those who can justly feel proud of his or her part in the work of this group of "Builders?"
As a Builder for Good.
I. pledge
the sum of $. ยท payable
1/3 - 1938
1/3 - 1939 1/3 - 1940 Cash
Received. .19 ..
Builder's Receipt
from.
( ) Check
Sum of $. Cash
Thank You.
BRIMFIELD CHURCH
By.
(Make checks payable to Everett Landon, Treas.)
124
Voted: To grant such a letter to Dr. Spooner. This letter was sent Vitales 27th, 1938.
1
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting and Roll Call of the First Cong Church, Inc. was held Saturday evening December Dec. 31,1938. 31, 1938 at eight o'clock. a brief devotional service was conducted by Rev. Burleigh Mathews. The moderator, Mr. Clarence B. Brown called the meeting to order. The Roll Call of members was given as follows:"
Membership - December 30, 193%. male 30 Female 60 - Total 90 +2 62 and Conf.
Admission + 2
byletter 30 92
Removed by death - 2 - 3
by letter - 1
Male 29 Female 60
Total. 89
Treasurer's Report.
Twenty- seven responded to the roll call with twelve sent responses. The Clerk's report was accepted is read to be placed on file. The Treasure's report was given and accepted as follows: $ Receipts Bal. Jan. 1, 193 8 51.60 Pledges (us of 12/28/38) 738.95 142.67
Loose Change
Thise. 3.10 Investment Income 691.75
Organ Fund 58.13 interest 1.00
Church Re-construction 1890.03
2
Loan (Palmer National Bank) a/c Church Re-construction 1000,00 # 4525,63 $ 4577.23
Expenses: Salary - Minister # 999.96
11 Organist 150.00
11 Janitor 150.00
Organ note 58.13
Interest & Collection Expense
17.86
Light & Power
8.85
Repairs
18.60
General Expense 189.38
Insurance 96. 42
4444.80 Church Re-construction 2755.60
Balance Dec. 28, 1938
132.43 $ 4577.23
To the Bo of Trustees First Cong. Church of Brimfield, Inc.
although 1938 proved quite distressing in a great many ways, we were fortunate in finishing the year in fair financial condition. Receipts from Pledges show an increase? of approximately 30.00 over 1937. Likewise Loose Change collections show a slight rise, roughly 14. These increases were made despite the fewer Church Services held because of the great storm of the past September. Income from invested funds remained about the same as in 193%. We are finishing the year with all one payment in areass, but you will note that the several persons actually received the amount stipulated as their yearly salari 2. This was caused by the fact that one payment was carried over from 193%. We are carrying approximately $220, over in unpaid bills. These include: Ans. urance $ 128.00; Taxes- 79.40 and Membership Jap $13.50. The note at the Palmer national Bank
120
obtained some years ago for operating expenses remains unchanged, namely 200.00 also the note for repairs to the parsonage roof obtained in 1937 likewise remains unchanged -152.62. In order to start re-construction to the Church building immediately after the storm of sept 1938, it was necessary to obtain a loan of" 1000.00. this was granted by the Palmer National Bank, at the ate of 4%.
a very extensive and well supported campaign to raise funds to carry on the reconstruction was started in October. To date actual pledges amounting t. $ 2851.70 have beenreceived and $1890.03. The Secretary of the H.F. A Alumni association informs me that contributions are coming in nicely and these together with other un- official pledges tend to show that at the present time approximately $ 4000.00 may be counted. It is hoped that this meeting will go on record in appreciation of the splendid co-operation given by. this association.
During the year, the Organ note was paid in full, thus taking this obligation from our seconds.
Very considerable and greatly appreciated financial assistance has been given the Church during the past year, by the Ladies Benevolent Society, The Fidelis Class, The R.L. S. Class, The Brimfield Grange, The Grange auxiliary, Charles M. Streeter Post- American legion, Winfield Volunteer Fire Department and both resident and non- resident persona too numerowasto mention separately .
Inorder to properly. incasethe complete operations of the Church during. 1939, a budget of $2400.00 should be provided. This amount will adequately take care of out standing obligations carried over from'1 95 8 0 well as provide necessary funds to carry-on the general business. Respectfully,
Everett Lt. Landen Treas.
1 27
The auditor Mr. William S. Spooner reported that he had examined the books and found them in order. Mr. Spooner elaborated a bit to explain Mr. Landen's report, namely, that a new law soon to be passed will exempt the parsonage from taxes. In the future this will be a great saving. This report accepted to be placed on file.
This year , we have seen the close of the Report : life work of several old residents of Brimfield, and of a small number of others, associated with the town, and church, whose names are well known to us all. The latter part of January. Clifford Shaw was taken suddenly, after an operation; and survived only a brief period,- two or three days. Mr. Shaw was a resident of the town, whom we all know, and appreciated, his loss is keenly felt by everyone. Mrs. Ella. Foskett of Worcester, in advanced years, was called away, and was brought to Brimfield for burial, according to her own wish. Others whose names and careers were familiar to most of you, were Mr. Edward Morgan of Little Rest Road; Best Cowe long associated with the town; Elmero. Broadway, George Webster; Mr. Stegner; Mr. Elder, quite recently; Mr. Boardman of Waterbury, brother-in-law of Miss Lydia Hitchcock; and Mrs. Carpenter and This . Ellen Laurence. Mrs. Carpenter came here from Hales with her son, Alonga Carpenter, some three or four years ago, and was more than 80 years of age; Mrs. Lawrence was wife of Edward Lawrence, of Spring- field , these just mentioned were not members of this church, but were so closely connected with, members; or were permanent residents here and in the that's of so many of us that it seems fitting to refer to them now. among church members , we have lost with unexpected suddenness, Mrs. Jessie F. Brown and Thishouse Carroll. Mrs. Brown has been a member of the church for more than 30 years, and was one to whom we
auditor's Report.
Pastor's
125
could go at any time , for wise counsel, and help , in anything relating to the church. We miss her gracious presence , and willing spirit of cooperation , but we realize that the loss is ours, not here, since it is in the nature of promotion from one sphere of usefulness, to another, vastly more satisfying than anything we can know in this world. Miss Carroll was called away almost without warning, in Oct., and we cannot , in our limited understanding of events, see why it has happened . We do know, however , that "all things work together for good to those" ho love God,"not only us, who are still on the earth; but especially, to the ones whom the Lord honors , by inviting them to come to Him . The good lives they have lived continue to have their benign influence upon us, and we thank God, and take courage, nu we think of them, and their active, beneficient deeds . May westand for amoment, in silent tribute, to all these friends what are preceded us, into the world to come ?
Young People's and Sunday School Work.
The C. E. Society has met for regular meetings in the
spring and autumn, and has attended a number of special gatherings, out of town, -- such as the Eastern Hampden C Co. get- togethers, at Wilbraham, & Hampden; and then, at home, the Eastern Hampdensocial at our church, on Valentine's Day. along with these, we should mention the Hampden County Officer meeting, on October 16th, when a model session was put on , by the visitors. The Springfield young people are taking a great deal of interest in our G. C., and are planning to give an entertainment next month, for the In dit of the church repair fund, to which we shall all be invited, at perhaps $. 25 apiece. The S. S., Iwill
not attempt to report in any detail, since we have the regular report of the Supt and Secy and Treas; but wish to speak of the retirement of Theo. J. Edgar Brown from the Primary Department , of which she has been the very efficient Superintendent, for a long time. She was renominated for the position, but declined the office , feeling that she had already done her share, and that it should be passed on to someoneelse. We have been most fortunate in having one for this important position who always worked so intelligently, and whole-heartedly; and was a never failing source of strength to
1
129
the entire school. Her absence from the school will be felt deeply by all of us who have worked with her, and we congratulate ourselves that we have had the benefit of her service up to this time.
Special Services & Guest Speakers The first of these, this season, was the Grange Sunday evening meeting, on april 3 rd with Chas. M. Gardner, guest speaker; and "enough said" for we have all heard him deliver an address, and know how entertaining heria. Then in June, came the Hitchcock Free academy alumni Sunday, with Mrs. Forrester Mai Donald of Sturbridge, as speaker. This was one of the most interesting Sundays we had during the year, -- good attendance and an excellent address, to which it was easy to listen. The last special preacher was Mr. Reginald Stevens Kimball, Supt. of Schools, who came for the morning service on November 6th, the beginning of American, Education Week, and gave a very interesting address on an educational topic. These out of town speakers have been much appreciated by all of us who heard them , and that includes nearly everyone in the vicinity.
1V The Hurricane. We do not write this up, but may talk it over, ad libitum, as time permite Statistics, attendance, etc.
The study of statistics is a weariness to the flesh, but a little of it is necessary. On the subject of church attendance, may I report an average of 35 at Sunday morning worship, as compared with 36, in the year. 1937. If we could find out who the one is , who has dropped out this year, well ...! ) The O. C. shows an average of I at the meetings; we have made 400 calle, and have enjoyed our visits in your homes; now, we shall be delighted if you will returnt the compliment , and call on is , socially, even if you do not have any special business in mind that you come to talk shows . Over latch string is out , and we shall be charmed to see you at the Parsonage, at any time . I usually
130
worry over the subject of weddings, in this report; and this year, the number has been just about the average; the slight improvement in the financial condition of the country is reflected in the nuptials of the past two years . We hope none of the young people will decide to live a life of solitude, in single blessedness, while so many charming creatures of the other sex are still unattached. In connection with the weddings, we should not omit the Golden Wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace P. Moore, who kept open house on September 25th. We congratulate them on their long life together, and wish them many more years of happiness and prosperity.
VI Outside activities
This refers mainly to meetings of the County assoc. of Churches, and special meetings, in our territory. We have been represented at the Religious Education Institute in Palmer, the G. G. Convention at Camp Moses; and the Hampden Co. Council of Cong. Women in Springfield, all in april: - at the Hampden association meeting in Wilbraham, and the ordination of Harry S. Saul at Hampden, in Thay: - at the installation of Dr. E. W. Cross in Springfield , in June ; and it the Hampden assoc. meeting at East Church, Springfield, in October. This. Mathews and . I have attended several meetings of the County G. E. Officers,-, in Springfield a. a . Ludlow ; and on Sunday the 18th of Dec . , we .1 with three of the officers, to take part in Libibuting gifts to underprivileged children, in the homes in the city. We feel that all this U of work is very gratifying to us who can share in it, and we hope and pray EL: work in our own church, and all the of our association may go on increasing Hey, and with the blessing of God upon F
Burleigh V. Mathews.
Sunday School Report
Supt. of Sunday School, Mr. allen Keith gave an encouraging report from the S. S. work for the year. The Cross and Crown System of awarded is functioning splendidly: This report was
131
not given to your clerk in writing hence this brief report.
Sect Treas . Report for S. S.
am't. on Hand Jan. 1 st Offerings Rec'd. 1 st Quarter 11
16.36
42.85
11 2nd 11
44.08
" 3rd
29.88
4th " . Birthday
Bank -
2.15
Little Wanderer's 6.75
Other sources 3.00
missions
18.39
$191.28
Expenses
First Quarter Supplies 61. 04 Foreign Missions 3.00
Quarters Supplies
36.84 Third 11 51.94 Fourth
37.31
Home Missions
6.75
196.88
$
Unpaid balance .- 5.60
attendance- average 1 st qu Quarter 65 2nd Quarter 68 3rd " 62
average attendance for year = 63,
, adies We have contributed to the Benevolent Church $25, for a gift, 25, for Society. the organ fund and $50 towards repairs of the Church and have given $5 to the Red Cross. During the year, we have served a dinner for the South Worcester Welfare assoc, held two silver teas and sales of food and fancy articles and an apple pie sale.
Respectfully submitted Clara Baxter Brown Sec'y.
27. 82
132
Fidelis Class Report.
activities during 1938 January: Sunshine boxes opened at a meeting held at Mrs. Ladd's. Feb. Voted the sum of $2.00 to the re- bending of the Sunday School Bible. March At the annual Town Meeting the class served the dinner at noon. YSusiness meeting held with Bertha Brown, at which time the nominating committee was appointed in preparation for the annual meeting in april april meeting with Mrs. Clark. Decided at this time to have a chairman for each meeting instead of a permanent president, Voted? to buy new dishes before Thay 18th.
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.