USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Brimfield > Brimfield Congregational Church Records - Vol VIII 1948-1954 > Part 10
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Meeting adjourned
Curlyn J anden, Click
June 21 The Way Spring Lodge of Masons and Carrie I Cushing Chapter, Order of Eastern Star of Monson were quest at the morning worship. They were served a St Johns Breakfast, in the Sestry at 9:30 am.
Same 28 A special meeting was held following the morning service to vate upon candidates for Church membership.
The Church vated to accept the following. subject to approval of Deacons: (36) Mr and Mrs Robert Ainsworth. Mrs. Mabel Brown. Howard and Kenneth Brown, Mary and Robert Bruce fr. Wand Mrs. William Padieux. Sandra Carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. William Cox, Mr and Mrs. Clark Hayward. Richard Hayward, Norman Howlett. Mis Victor Howlett. George Klingler, Mrs. Bertha Lapean; Mrs. Mary Laurence, Richard Martin. Mr and Mrs. Frank Milson: Evelyn Parker, Mrs Ruth Parker. Ralph Plumley. Mrs. Shiite Roy. Mrs. George Stickney. Beverly and Sharon Lee Stickney, Maude Stone, Mrs. Effic, Switzer. Margery and Nancy Wood. Enoch Weight. Herbert Night. meeting Adjourned. Evelyn P. Lander, Clerk.
Pastor and delegati attended Ordination. Leslie R. Wadsworth at Charlton Federated Which at 4.00 P. M.
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1953 July 5
The following were received into membership: 35 3 By Letter Joan ainsworth (Murs. Robt.) from First Baptist, Fall River, Mais. 10 Robert Clineworth from Central Congregational, Fall River, Mass Clark Hayward from no 200 Jean Hayward (Mrs. Clark) from walite. Bertha Lapean (Mis Thomas) from Federated Church, Warren Mas. Evelyn V. Aaker from First Universalish, Monson, Mass. Villet Stickney Mrs. George, from First Baptist, Haverhill, Mas Beverly Stickney from First Baptist, Haverhill, Mass Sharon Lee Stickney from First Baptist, Haver hill, Mars. Maude Stone from Congregational, Sturbridge, Mass Effic P. Switzer from First Universalish, Monson, Mass Enach Haright from ? nous-"
Frank Nilson from First Congregational, Milton, Mais. 2- Profession Makel Brown; Howard Brown, Kenneth Brown. of faith Mary Bruce, Robert Bruce, Jr. Barbara Howlett Codieux. William adieux: Sandra Carpenter, Nancy Edwards of. William of fear Richard Hayward. George L'inglese. Mrs. Mary Lawrence, Richard Martin, Mrs. Frank Wilson. Mrs. Ruth Parker, Ralph Burnley. Shirle Roy. Margery Wood. Nancy Hood, Herbert Wright, Christine Fay.
July 18 The Church and Sunday School Picnic was held. of Smith's Aidaway on tower Hill.
Now. + Special Church meeting was called to order in Vectry at 4:30 (2 x members, , viitor in attendance) The meeting having been duly called Nos.In the following items of business appearing in the call.
1- To receive reports of newly formed Committo. 2- To take action on our responsibility regarding the Framingham Conference Center Fund! ! 3_ To take action on keeping Church unlocked at all times Mr. Miller opened the meeting and read the items to be considered as mited in the call.
In the absence of Roger Bennett it was necessary to elech a temporary, moderator. Mr. Miller was nominated. It was moved, seconded, and noted that nominations be closed. Mr. Miller presided.
Stem 1 _ Reports of Committees :. Benevolence Committee report was read by Mro. Macamber, Sec. of the Com.
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Benevolence Committee Report
Ben. Com. Report The Benevolence Committee mex and organized Sept. 30, 1953 with HenryWheaton President, Mro The Eddy Vice president and Mro Verva Macumber Secretary. The balance of the Committee is composed of the following representatives. Sunday School - Misaline Cole Pilgrim Fellowship- Bette. Benjamin LBS -. Mio Bernice Ramsley Fidelio - Mrs Makel Pence Mr. Miller and Fin. See. frene Wright members ex-office
Cur Just regular meeting was held at the parsonage on Det. 14 with ther. Leangen Fisher of Spencer ao guest speaker. The outlined the purposes of (our organization)- to help others, at home and abroad pointing out that we may choose our own objectives. Some items mentioned were: Siding students who wish to train for religious work. Money is loaned # and repaid after graduation without interest. This fund Is also used to establish Chaplains in Colleges. etc. These being used to which our missionary dollars are but when they are sent in to headquarter.
However, it is quite possible for us to select a project- through the Board and have our giving applied toward the support of a Certain mission missionary of project. Spencer Church has adopted a native african medionary.
Our benevolent quota is figured at the rate of 6 cents per member per Sunday. It is hoped that the goal will be reached.
Our next meeting will be open to all members and friends of the Chouch. It will be held in The Westry Nord. 18. will feature a film "More for Peace". Refreshments will he served.
Nava Macumber, Sec.
Ch. Ed. Com. Chairman of Christian Education Committee, Keith Report Hill reported verbally. 1- The teachers of the Sunday School attended 5 Monday night training meetings in ware.
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Five attended every session-from 8-15 at each meeting. 2. An adult Sunday School Class is now being held every Sunday morning in the Sanctuary with Richard Ramsey as teacher. They are losing their study on Harry Emerson Fordick's book "Understanding the Bible. It is hoped and expected that this group will increase of in numbers.
3. Sunday School is running a contest (pupils a. G Red- H-Z-Blue). Lasers to entertain winners at a Christmas party. This context eliminates awards for attendance - the Croco and Crown Joins will not be awarded this year for attendance. & Sunday School attendance has averaged about 80. 5 Sunday School material being used is published by the Presbyterian Less, this cause of study having been decided upon after careful consideration by the 1952 Committee after examining courses offered by Congregational, Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian publishing houses. It's use was continued this year and although somewhat difficult for some , because of background, it is hoped that by the end of the 3 year period much of this background deficiency will be corrected and the younger pupils will be well started.
dv. in Read. 6. adventures in Reading Program: is continuing. The library is open every Sunday after Church so that all who wish to do so may obtain and exchange books at that time.
advance J. "advance" Seventeen subscriptions to our Congrega- tional magazine have been given to Mr. Miller which makes it possible for each subscriber to receive the magazine for 1 year. (22 issues) at the reduced rate of $200.
(Report by Mr. Hill. Sunday School Supt. Gregory expressed his appreciation. of the assistance given the Sunday School by the Christian Education Committee.
Paard of Usher Mr. Benjamin reported that a group of 12 had agreed to when. Half of these are of High Schoolage - the other half are oldermen! So for the group is operating according to schedule.
Atena 2 a letter was read by Mr. Miller from the Conf. tr. Conference Center Fund Chairman reminding us that the amount of $11500 would he due, on 12/31/53. In 1950 each church was asked to raise $100 per members and turn this amount
112 1953
tem of over to the Conference Fund Measures by 12/31/53. Our on) Che- member ship at that time was, 115). a statement Fund was also read telling how much. was expected and how much have been baid by eat & Church in the Brookfield infer Council. Since- nothing has been paid by our Church the question was thrown open for discussion to determine what we would do about it.
action
after several suggestions of raw to raise this amount the following action was taken. mation by Hill, seconded by Buscon and voted That we pledge at least 1150 and that un appeal and Anvelope for contribution for this purpose is made fix the next issue of "Filling'" and if sufficient funds are not derived from this source. that they be supplemented by undesignated plate collections.
Clerk was instructed to write to inference enter chairman reporting our action.
Kem 3 Keeping Church Unlocked at all times. Discussion of the question was opened but due to lack of time for sufficient debate before deciding the issue, it Iwas Noted (Mation by Lewis, accorded BBrown) Action To table the matter until a further proberly announced business meeting. Meeting adjourned
Nov. 22 Ofspecial Church meeting was held following the morning service to vote on list of candidates for Church membership. The meeting was called to order by Moderator Roger Bennett Letter from the Board of Deacons recommending the following candidates was read: Alvesley Martin, Edna Mas'in (M. N.WO), Robert Martin, the Hoyt. It was moved, seconded, I voted that these. Candidates be accepted for Church membership. meeting adjourned. B. Landen, Clerk .!
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1953
Nov. 25 " aspecial meeting was called to take action on another candidate for Church membership. Us soon as 5 (quorum) had ussem bled the Deacons recommended Olha Howlett as un approved candidate. Nation up Everett Landen, wecanded by fred loonly and noted that Nus. Howlett be accepted. Meeting adjourned EsKander Clerk
Nov. 25. At the annual Thanksgiving For Service the following were, received Sinto membership. H. Weeley martin by affirmations of faith Edna Martin (us ). 20) Robert Martine Norman L. Howlett alma Howlett (mrs. n.L) "
anna Howlett (Ners. Victor, ..
Pris Ms M. E. Hoyt 1. Reception of members was followed by Communion Service.
195 4 Juel 3. The meeting opened with devotions-led by Rev. Killer in the Church ventry at 1.30 with 45 members present.
The agenda was read by Mr. Miller and the meeting turned over to Moderator Roger Bennett.
Benevolent Committee report was read by terry Wheaton and accepted:
The Benevolent Committee reports that they have studied the benevolent out-reach of the Church and have consulted the various agencies of our densom- ination in an effort to learn how our church can best strengthen it's Benevolent program.
We recommend that our church adopt voraus projects where by our benevolent-funds will go to specific areas of need This will clarify to us the work sur funds accomplish and increase our interest.
We recommend that the Christian Orphanage at Jongne, Korea and the Ryder Memorial Hospital at Kumcago in Puerto Rico. be two of the areas that receive our benevolent money. Puerto Rico is a Home Aussion project and tores is a Foreign Mission project." Henry . Wheaton, Ch. Ben. Comm.
114 1954
Feb. 3 Cont.
Points " - "Increase Fellowship 2 - Kaise Standards of Membership" were discussed at length and clarified by Rev. Miller, there was. no action taken on either point. The meeting was closed at 9:10 P.M. hencheright, Sec. protem.
april 11 X a special meeting held following the morning service it was voted, upon recommendation from Board of Deacons, to receive Mr. William Macumber into membership, by letter from the Pleasant Street Baptist Church of Worcester. Meeting adjourned. EvelynB. Landen, Clark.
april 15 William T. Macumber was received into fellowship at the morning service.
april 25 The call for the Annual Church Meeting to be wild Ways in the vestry, Friday, May 7, at 7:30 P.M. was read from the pulpit and notice posted in vestibule.
E
May 1 Annual Meting The Annual Meeting of the Church, held in the vestry May 1, 195+, opened at 7:30 with devotions by Mr. Miller. The meeting was then turned over to Moderator Roger Benne
1
Win of a. M. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and approved. The minutes of Special and Business meetings held Spec & Bus . during the year (June 19, 28, Nov 4, 22,25, Fib 3) Avere read and approved.
Roll Call 50 members answered to the Roll Call. Responses were mode for two absent members. Membership on March 31 consisted of 69M, 136W, a total of 205. We received 64 new members during year, lost 6 making a net gain of 58. There were 18 baptisms and 8 marriages during the year.
The Treasure's Report was read by Clarence Keith. Hoved by Weston and seconded that report be accepted. Question Stocks and Bonds, there has been no chang in either during the year. Acceptance of report was voted Report filed with clerk.
a
Treas.
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Pa
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115
1954 dum. Meet.
Fin. See. The Financial Secretary gave no report.
and. 3. 115
The Auditor, Richard Brown, i cad his report which was cepted and filed with clerk.
Pastor
Mr. Willer read the Pastor's Report for the year which was accepted and filed.
Dea.
The Deacons Report was read by Keith Hill, accepted and filed with clerk.
Deaconesses The Deaconesses filed no report, but Chairman Wester Sherman reported that the Board had prepared the Communion elements throughout the year.
Ushers 6 120
Report of Board of Ushers was read by Chairman Philip Benjamin , accepted , and filed.
Lay, Rep. There was no report from Laymens Representation.
Ed. Comm Report of Christian Education Committee was read 1-0 8- 21 by Keith Will, accepted, and filed.
S.S. Superintendent George Gregory read the report of A121 and 142 the Sunday School which was accepted and filed.
BL.S. 6.1 4.2
Report of "By have Serve group was given by bene Wright, accepted and filed.
1
Job. 143 - 4
P.F. Report of Pilgrim Fellowship was read by albert Birchenough , accepted, and filed
adin Real Report for adventures in Reading project was f144-5 read by Ethel Spooner, accepled, and filed.
Ben. Com. The Benevolence Committee, read by Chairman 16145-6-7 Henry Wheaton was accepted and filed.
Mees. Com Chairman Gladys De Laved read report of Music Commute To 147 which was accepted and filed.
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2.B.S. The LB.S. report read by Alice Clarke was accepted antes Ff 147-8 Fix. The Fidelis report read by Mabel Prince was accepted and field. 8. 148
1954 1 1 6may
ann. Meet. Cont
Meno
The Men's Club gave no report.
Trustees The Trustees report, read by Chairman Dehand was 20150-1 accepted and filed.
Delegates It was noted that matter of securing delegates to State To 15% Conference be to Church Cabinet. Brookfield Conference Report of Delegate, Verva Masumber, was accepted and filed.
Old: Matter from meeting of How. 4-"Shall Church remain Jen at all times?" Iwas brought up. Dated that question be tabled until the next July called business meeting of the church. ( Hill and seconded)
New: Budget: after the reading of the budget several questions arose and the following actions resulted. action Nation by Will, seconded and voted that Benevolence Budget" be increased from $100 to $9000
Mr. Miller moved that $ 200 ". For "Unidentified Expense" be increased to $900. (an increase of goo " over amount as read so as to take care of items other than snow removal, care of lawn etc.) There was no second to the motion
Budget
2. After mach discussion the situation was clarified it being pointed out that the Budgetecould be changed at any time by Church vote.
Mr. Hill then moved that item of Church Maintenance and Repair be increased from $75000 to $ 145000 (thus providing the extra $700). This motion was seconded by Mr. Miller and voted.
Milion made by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Mr Klingler and noted that budget, with adjustments, be approved ( unanimously) Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded , and noted that the Trustees study our stairway difficulties, secure estimates on proposed improvements, and report to Church at a duly called Church meeting on or Lector a July 7.
Stairs
117
1954 Jun. Meet. may ?
h, Ser. during Mr. Miller moved that Church Service during July and July & auq. August be set at 10 instead of 11 o'clock. Before motion was seconded Everett Landen moved to table the motion. This motion was seconded. Following debate.Mr. Landen and his second with drew their motion. Original motion was then seconded and was deflated.
Mr. Miller moved that the Church Cabinet be empowered to appoint 4 delegates to the Brookfield lesaciation, 2 delegates to the State Conference, and I alternates to either seconded by Klingler, and wanted.
Resignation of Deacon till was read by the Moderator. Motion by Percy Moore and seconded that we accept Mr. Kills resignation as requested. Voted.
Report of nominating Committee was read by Mr. Still:
moderator for1 year Roger Bennett
Evelyn Landen Clerk for 1 year
Treasurer for 1 year Clarence Keith Financial Secretary for, year Inene Wright
Richard Brown auditor for1 year
I. S. Suph for 1 year George Gregory Jaymens Representative, 1 year Jerry Lewis Music Comm Chairman, year Gladys Do Land Deacon for 4 years Henry Eddy
Deacon For 3 years to replace Hill Arthur Brown Deacons for 4 years Beatrice Mc Connell
Benevolence Com. 3 years Edith Mac Selivray Christian Ed. Com. 3 years Olive Wexton Trustee 3 years
Philip Benjamin Motion by Moore seconded by Gregory and wanted that report of nominating committee be accepted and that clerk can't , bollat for state of officers as read.
Meeting adjourned 10:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted Evelyn Janden
1954 118 Un. Meet Reports.
Treasurer auditor
119
195 4 In Thect Reporte
Pastor
Your Church should ever reach the level where there were no more room for improvement in its Christian Education of Young People and adults, and its service to local residents as well as foreign neighbors, then and only then could it may, "We're good enough . Let's go on like we are ."
During the last year our Church has made an attempt to improve its three major functions- Worship , Education, and Service. In the area of worship , a Head Usher was appointed and the Board of Ushers was formed to assist in the conduct four worship services. This has been a help in more ways than can be listed here. With the organization of the Com- mitters on Benevolence and Christian Education, these two areas of our Church life began to receive more apropie attention. The effect of these Committees has been feet and will continue to show us what our opportunities and responsibilities are.
holably the majorchange of policy during the year was the termination of the yoked relationship with the Holland Chures in the support of and services from the Minister. Beginning Sept. 15, the Brimfield Church has. is maintained a full time minister . There had been little question about the need for a full minister, but there was some question about the financial ability of this community of Protestants to support one . In my estimation the change has been accomplished without undere hardship on anyone, and again the Brumfield Church can consider itself a self. supporting and independent Church. I look uponthis as a definite step forward.
The variety of Church activities should have given every friend and member an opportunity to be served as will Das an invitation to serve. That is our goal and where it is not reached, we must improve.
Ihave learned much through some of the successes and failures of the year. and I have found that there continues to be forgiveness on the part of the Church people for all that I have done poorly, or in error.
This report would not be complete without expressing thanks to all those who have served so unselfishly and often unrecognized to the end that our Church may be a strong hand of God. May it be more so in The year ahead. Rufus J. Miller
195 4 120 an. Meet. Reports May 7 During the 1953-1954 church year the Descono served in the following capacities: - Deacons 1. assisting in the administration of the seraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. 2- approval of candidates for memberships to the First Congregational Church of Brimfield. 3 - Limited parish visitation. There are two fields in which the Deacons of this Chur should be more active , and these are covered in the By of the Church. There maybe described briefly as; assistam to the ministry of the church in matters of paricle visitation and helping the needy.
Resptfully submitted, J. Keith Hill , Chair
Ushers The following Church members have served as ushers in groups of four for monthly periods during 1953-54.
P.S. Benjamin Robb. Bruce Jr. William Box
Henry Eddy Richard Martin Andrew Fondate Charles Colle Richard Hayward Herman Horton
Enoch Wright Kenneth Brown Jerry Lewis Spares: Percy Moore-Fred Vorby. Thanks should go to all for this helps. Group # 3-in serving during the month of May which will allover the Chairman for1 954-6955 to get organized to carry on, thereafter. Respectfully submitted, Philip &. Benjamin Chair
Christian During the 1953-54 Church year, the Christian Education Committee Education met monthly with the ex officio members, the S.S. Supt, and the Times Committee During the early part of the Sunday School year, training courses for teachers were given in the Wave Congregational Church. Most of the teaching staff of the Sunday School of our church attended Миле леснопы.
Sunday School began in late September, with the regular lessons starting the first Sunday in October . For the first time in recent years , the Sunday Schale will run through the end of Jane, and children's Day" will be the last Sunday of june.
In various discussions in the monthly meetings of the committee, it was decided that teaching could be im- broved by the members of the Committee waiting in S. S. classes. This program has been started and it is expected that a continuance of the visitation of classes, and a frank dis- cussion with the teachers will result in an even-improving
121
1954
In Meet caliber of silencecl. Reports
An adult S. S. Class was organized at the beginning of the church year, and has continued to grow in size throughout the year. The starting average attendance was off approximately 5. The present average attendance is between 1 and 15.
The committee observed the following needs: 1. Continued and improved teacher training. 2. More adequate classrooms with particular attentionto eliminating the many distractions of nouse of adjacent classes 3. additional parent participation (who the adult classes continue to grow in size , very few parents of S.S. children are regularly represented in this class )
Vacation Bible School will be held this summer. Offering envelopes were instituted For Sunday School. Respectfully submitted, J. K. Sill, Chan.
This report covers the activities of our Sunday School from lash Sunday June until the present.
The annual picnic was held on Tomewell with most appropriate facilities provided through the courtesy of the Smiths and the kindre of Her and Mrs . Lewis .
Fall activities were resumed with Rally Day on Sept. 20 when 87 children and adults were registered by a staff of 9 teachers. An adult class was started with 12 enrolled and has maintained an average attendance of about the same number. We have high hopes that the coming year will see more parents attending S. S. with their children attendance figures for entire school are as follows :-
Number who have attended during year 124 Maximum attendance (one Sunday) 95 Minimum 56 average (approximate) 75
The S. S has been fortunate indeed this year, in having the guidance and wholehearted interest of both the Religious Education Committee and over Pastor.
a teacher training program hell in ware for 5 sucesive Monday night during Sept and Oct. was attended by teachers, sujet, pastor, and member, of Religious Education Committee,
Our school facilities were improved through the initiative of, and hard work by those who made and hung the dividing curtains, cleaned and redecorated the Kindergarten room and
School
u
122
Date Ried
How Removed
July 5,1953 P Brown, Mabel July 5, 1953 P Brown, Haward
July 5, 1953 P Brown, Kenneth July 5, 1953 P Bruce, Mary
July 5, 1953 P Bruce, Robert, Or. Guque 1, 1954 L Bradley, Clothier L - Jr. Holland Cong. Aug. 1,1954 L Bradley, Marguerite a. fr. Halland Cong. (m. C. D )
1
July 5, 1953º Cadieux Barbara Howlett Frame Catholic) July 5, 1953 P Cadieux Will from (Catholic) July 5, $953 P Carpenter, Sandra Con Nancy Edwards July 5,1953P July 5,1953 P Cax William Aug. 1,1954 - Cark , Carolyn 13 ( mis ) Fr. Wales Baptist
Church Members, Jan. 1, 1948 - May6, 1955 123
How Removed
Date Received July 3, 1903 P adams, Idella W. Somerville Mars. 221 morrison ave. March 29, 1945 P Aucoin, Clifford March18,1951 L Allen, Eileen (Jr. First Baptist, agawann) March 18,1451 R. Allen, (Mrs. Richard)
Ackerman Edna (Na) Trinity M. E springfield more
Nov. 83,125+ h July 5, 1953 L ainsworth Joan July 5, 1953 L ainsworth Robert Nov. 83, 1952 P Bouliwell Geraldine Nov. + 3,195v P Benjamin Bette April 2, 1950 P Benjamin, Philip & Wales Rd. April 2, 1950 P Buchenough, albert Th. Sau $ 1950 L Birchenough, albert &
Jan 1950 L Birchenough, Butha Jan. 3, 1903. L Bissell, Ulma Warren Rd. May 2, 1897 L Bissell, Frederick Warren Rd. apr. 9,1939 L Blair, Isabella M. RZD apr. 8, 1934 P Brown arthur Edyar Warren Rd. Oct. 27, 1946 P Brown, Barbara Pd.
Apr. 9, 1939 L Brown, Bercha Center
married 12/31/49-sie Chaffee Did Mar. 8, 1955
Mar. 1, 1896 P Brown, Clarence B. Warren RX.
apr. 22, 1943 P Brown, Lena (Mrs. P.T.) Tower Hill Rd. ayer. 8, 1934 P Brown, MaryWilliam Howard, Mrs. a.E) Apr. 12,1930 P Brown, Richard f Center Mar. 21,1940 P Byron, Muude Booth Fiskdale afor 10, 1949 L Benjamin, Helen T. (Mr. Phillip) yor 10, 1949 L Bennet, Roger W. Warren Rot. Tpv10, 1949 L Bennett, Beatrice (M. P.W.) Dec. 19, 1937 P Brown, Harriet (Tarbell) (Mro Richard) Nov. 23, 1952 P Cala, Charles Nov. 23,1452 L Clarke, Ulice (Mrs. Raimuch Bridge mode + machodiet
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