USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Brimfield > Brimfield Congregational Church Records - Vol VIII 1948-1954 > 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
No Deacon will be eligible to succeed himself until one year has clapsed after his expiration of office. One Trustee shall be elected each year for a term of five years.
No Trustee will be eligible to succeed himself until one year has elapsed after his expiration of office.
All officers (Except the minister, Trustees and beacons ) I hall hold office for one year and until their respective successore are chosen.
Discussion for and against the proposed amendments followed. Arguments in favor of them pointed out that an opportunity would be given to more. members to participate in this phase of Church work and that, at present, there are several well qualified for such duties, but who have. - no opportunity und on the present By- laws. Objections were focused on the points pertaining to limiting the terms of office of Trustes and Deacons. The suggested amendments were filed.
ne Grast Hour Of Sharing
Mr. Manter reported that we have been requested to expand the The Great Hour' to "The One Great Time of Sharing, in order to meet increasing world needs, and that the
30
suggested time in t'es whaling is throughout Lant. Action: Noted that envelopes Fort in purpose be distributed on the first Sunday in hent used. collected on Halm Sunday.
Membership Jan 1, 1950 Admission:
By letter Conf. of faith Reaff of faith 0
/
/
2
4
2
6
1
/
35
85
120
Removal : By - etter
1
1
By death To other faiths 1
2
2
1
2
Membership Dec. 31, 1950
33
823
115
Meeting adjourned. - Refreshments served
sony- Respectfully Submitted EvelynS. Landany Clerk.
Pasta's Report for 1950 So we to view the year 1950 in the life of the First ongre- gational Church of Pumpitd e find evidence of progress, but not sufficient to give us full satisfaction. un church is situated in a growing Community and it is our responsibility to see that the spiritual life of the community more than keeps pace with its numerical growth.
The report face cenk has shown that our membership has had a net increase of five. However our hoch attendance does not reveal an equivalent lise. I would not say that. the work of the Church in by any means confined to the Sunday Morning Worship, but, I nevertheless I think we must- admit that the attendance at this service does indicate. the vitality of the Church U real effort will be made of one in the coming months and, I hope, by the whole bunch to strengthen the contribution of Sunday Morning Browsing. There are various ways of approaching This problem! More might be. encouraged the have an active responsibility in this service of worship. Each of us should feel the responsibility of going ourselves and in turn to extend that invitation to others. Lex us all feci a concern in this matter during the coming year . I shall welcome. Any suggestions from you as to ways In which the morning worship can be made more meaningful and helpful
Pastor's Report 150
30 Men
81 Women ili Total
21.
During the year _ lofficiated at pour Brimfield marriages and eleven funerals. Mrs. De Forest and This knowlton had long, been active members of the Church and what they did will be long remembered. During the course of the year nine children received the sacrament of Christian Baptism. During the year the Legion Fellowship has been meeting regularly in the parsonage on Sunday evening. At present the group has about ten members which is not mean y is. many as it should be. considering the, num ier of young people in the community. They have illended The Greenwich Union Youth Rallies which come twice. every year and have been a member of a smaller. unida of youth groupes including Warren, West Bank ful and Sturbridge which meet's together five times in the Course of the year. The youth rally for which Brimfield was responsible was held in Homembers at which Mrs. Harbison of West Brookfield spoke on Horen, at Christmas time the Liegrim Fellowship was the nucleus of those who sang carols. They made favors to be. used on the trays at the hospital in Tement at Christmas Their President Muss Evelyn Van Nok attended the Pilgrim Fellowship Conference at Wilbraham academy last June. During this year the Leguin Fellowship has been sponsoring monthly sociales for the young people of the community Both the Benjamins and Durchtroughs. have been very helpful in Chaperoning and assisting in these affairs. During this Christmas Season the people of the community and those who drive along to20 have been made very much aware of the beauty of our Church due to the effective flood-lighting. I know that we areall deeply grateful to the Thao. M. Streeter Post #263 of the american Legion and Iam sure that this Innhal Meeting will want in some way to express it's appreciation to that fost. If the expense I mot prohibitive I feel that we might consider keeping the Church lighted at least one or two elenings each week. although the Church has done well in meeting its local budget we are hat doing as well as we might hopedin meeting our. obligation to the wider work of the church both at home and abroad as your treasurer's report will show Last year we. participated in the One Great Power of Sharing. This year we are asked to participate in what is known as the One Great Time of Sharing. Our State Conference suggests that we use Lent as a tink when we share sacrificially that the work among war victims freconstruction and four chaplains may he assisted.
32
Pastor's Report During the year we observed many special Sundayo. Youth Sunday was held with the Requis Fellowship in theage and giving the sermon. Mr. James Wilson, Field Scout Executions, filed the pulpit on Boy Scout Sunday. The World Day of Prayer Service was held on the first Friday in Lent. The Monday Thursday Service of Communion was held in the Holland Church. The Union Sunrise Service for Holland, Sturbridge, o Brumfield was held of the. Hubbard Homestead on Tower Hill. The Ladies Benevolent Society served a fine Caster Breakfast following the Service which was in charge of the Pilgrim Fellowship. Rex T. Thurston Towell of Sturbridge, Thought that message. Aural Like Sunday was observed in May with the 4-H club and Grange as special guests. The patriotic orders of Sturbridge zum field were special guests at the morning service, Memorial Day. Baccalaureate service for Hitchcock academy was held in the morning service du first Sunday in June. The Day Foring Masonic Lage and Eastern Star from Bronson evere our guests on St. John's Sunday. The Ladies Benevolent Society, served breasfast to our guests preceding the service. We enjoyed. having the alumni of HFC with us tive first Sunday no august, and It's have one of their num ier, Mr. Serem Tanarity, Bring the message. During the summer we were glad to have the following supply ministers, Rev. .. Thurston Powell, Rev. Stanley Keatch Relv. Benjamin Andrew, and Rev. Richard Carleton. Vold. Wide Communion Sunday was observed as usual and Harvest Sunday. Mro Iene Wright and Two Elaine Weight arranged the beautiful harvest decorations. Mr. Wilfred Kimber brought the message on Nymen's Sunday and was very only supported by the new of the Church. A great deal of work was done by those in charge of the music and decorations for the Christmas services. Miss Weber, Miss ook, Muss Ballow" Miss Bussett furnished very lovely decorations and the Junior and Senior Choirs, under the direction of Mro. Benjamin ind with Mio. Brown at the organ added much to the service Dee, 17. The enjoyed Miles ook, violinist, on Christmas Sunday.
The mothers o Daughters enjoyed a very fine illustrated address by Nuo. Betty Bacon Blunt at the Mother Daughter Banquet. The Father Son Banquet had a very fine speaker in Mr. Henry Holley. The LBS furnished very fine meals for bach of these I banquets. During the last two weeks of July, Vacation Church School was held in Brimfield for children of Brimfield and Holland. The, Kindergarten department of the Nacation School, was held during the last live week of Thay. This -success ful school was made
33
Pastor's Report possible through the Line work of his Lady. Habber, Mrs. Gladys Lawrence, Mrs. Belew Benjamin, Muss Frances. Howlett, Mls. Puth Manter, Mrs. Frances Seigner Hatch Miss Nancy valbroth, Ma Gladys De Land and Ins. Patrick MaIntipe about 60 attended this school including the Veindergarten children. Io we look over the past year there is much That is gratifying. Mio Manter and I very much appreciate those who have been giving of their time and devotion to the Church& The faithful work of the Church School teachers, those who provide the music, those who are members of the ladies groups, those who serve. on the Standing Ammitter and the board of Trustees, and those who find various ways of helping and spreading the influence of the church should be remembered. (i) Thunch will grow in power not primarily -secause of its realty, although we Find much joy in its dignity, but because it is a consecrated working fellowship composed of people who are aware that. its influence is strong of weak depending upon whether or not teach one is ready th assume his fair share of the word and be in his place on Sunday morning and when called upon throughout the week. We look forward to greater accomplishments cn) 175%. Asker. han-G. Manter
Burch School . formeal Report of Brimfield Church School .. Report 1950 1950 opened in dur. Church School with 79 pupils enrolled and an average attendance of48 for the months of January through June. In the Fall the school opened with 8 7en- rolled and are average of 56 in attendance from September through December. The children presented a program on Children's Day entitled."The Learn about Jesus" Bibles were presented to pupils who had completed their 3rd grade in -public school and certificates were given all pupils completing required work fortheir years course In the Fake three teachers attended leadership training classes in Southbridge and a demonstra tion class in Church School teaching was conducted at this school with the boys and girls of Our 5th + 6the graden participating. Their conduct was
34
Chort hool 11 port 1150
such as to make us very braced. Dec. 16 the school presented the annual. mitmas programes pageant. Parties for the various Dasses were held faring the month.
The children have continued to study missionary work and to carry on service projects. # 38.88 was quew for mettons this year. This included A vrutmas gifts for american Indians in Dakota and For a family in Germany as wellas money for other indexingary work, and for the Home for Lillie Wanderers. The afd not grives as much to missions this year as usual, partly because our special fferings were not planned forenough in Advance to that the parents and children would have more time to save and plan. mistake we will try to correct in the new year!
The following teachers have served faithfully's welt. Nursery: Ruby Smith, Lillian Brown, West. Kindergarten: Quelyn tulip, Nancy valbroth, alsst. Miss Julep resigned attend of Nox and her place filled by Lucinda Lawrence. Shades 14 5 . Pean Lindell ( Jun- June) Priscilla Honderd Sept De ) 1
Nader 394.
Julia Dichos john Senigo (boys). Mr. S. resigned De. no teacher for new year. Grades 576 Bar lara Reach (June May) Ruth Martin (May Dc) Lead indell Chine Cole Year Lindell
Trade 7 Grades 8, 9,10
Treasured Other Spooner)
as we book award to the new year we feel the need of more active int rest in the Sunday morning I voices of the church buy parents there making the church and it's teachings more important in the eyes of the children and deepening the religious life of the parents who are so important in developing the Christian lives of their Children. Ruch Manter
Layman's Representa- tive Report . 1949 Total 3321 Chuerago 63.8 1950 1 3269 62.3
Report of Layman's Representative
Church attendance figures tell their own story.
Of drop of 1.5 pour Sunday. Since July attendance has dropped off and to counteract this
P
35
Layman's Rep
tendency, the Standing Committee has appointed Committee of 15 (an) (tendance Committee) who will. in 1951, we feel sure, study the attendance situation and definitely increase church attendance.
The Church (which includes those who attend) is vitally important, and may every single one of us support and encourage this Committee on Alanda, by attending church personally, and by inviting. and encouraging others to attend? May ones "slogan for " , he " Let's go to Church " and" take your troubles to Church- thousands teams them there
- Xepart of Charles 1. De Land, Chairman Music Committee Music Report The Music Committee this year was very glad to Committee re here Mo. Philip To Brown as Dr ganist and Mrs Philip Benjamin do Director of Music for another year of service The Committee was assisted in gathering together the chorus chair several times during the year, and participated in the singing. The Committed would like to recommend that a Junion Chair be organized to sing occasionally at the Church Service. Mrs. Benjamin is willing to take on the training of it, if all concerned will give their cooperation. The Committee recommends that the sum of $1000 be appropriated for the purchase of music during the year, with the understanding that any surplus will be carried over into another your, or that, if by the Christmas season a Alittle more money is needed, it will be available.
~ Respectfully submitted
Gladys D. De Land Chairman Janual Report of Ladies Genevaling Society -. On Jan. 1, 1950 there were50 regular members and 6 honorary members in the K.B. S. In Dec . 31, 1950 -we Have 58 regular and 2 hoursary members. During the year 4 hondary members have passed away. This Last year we have served the following suppers with profits as listed! Mother Daughter Banquet $ 22.18
Alumini Luncheon" 8.57
Alumni Banquet 148.12
Harvest Supper 48 .-
Father Son Banquet. 29.30
L. B.S. Poport
17.50 36
23.8 Report
St. John's Sunday Breakfast 34,35
34.00 Lawn Party. 117.93
For and Salad in February 17.77 Food Sale Y Luncheon (luction "/28/50) 32.01
Que contributions in the Missionary Field consisted of: $20,00 To Missionary Committee for Sewing
5,00 to Mass, Congregational Conference for retreat for ministers wives. 10.00 to. Mass. . Ing. Conf. Missionary society
6.50 accord mile gift 34.00 to Ving memorial building fund. 5.00 to Jeadige for Community Halloween party for Children 130.00 to Home & Community Service Com (hange) trivards a. Ice and played for School music supervisor. 5.00 to Red Cross 10.00 to Cancer Fund
The have sent missionary boxes to the following: Schauffles College in Cleveland Meron Institute in Indiana Fessenden Academy Monson State Hospital South africa India
It and regular meeting in april we held a kitchen shower. At this time, many of the necessary smaller items were added by the members and the larger. items were added by the Kitchen Committee. During the summer. Mr. Many Newtow presented the Church with a ventilating fans. We have sold air- Fresh and received as a premium a new Coffee maker. In November the members held a towel shower for the kitchen the - have purchased a new fire extinguisher for the kitchen A member of arce group was named to the Community youth Planning Committee, We have taken the re-decorating of the Church Nostry as our project for 1951.
The Adventures in Reading Committee have reported 19 qualified readers, 11 of whom are members of the LBS. We have revised our Constitution and By- laws during ed the year.
We have been privileged to hear some fine speakers at several of our meetings. Res. Reich Munson of takmer. spoke on the teen ager"and His World" Mr.hold Allingworth If Worcester had as her subject "Fashions in Reading". Mr. Wesley Reed presented " Musical Novelties" Respectfully subpulled Elisblack Will, s.c.
-
1.
37
apart of Fidelio Group, 1950 - Much to die regret Mrs. Ladd has resigned as Secretary your group and will be missed very much. The Filles has completed another year of service for our Church. Even though we are not a large groups we have. given money for various Causes among them the following: Purchase of Bibles for Sunday School -3 $ 500 to Church 1000 to Red Cross
500 to Gange for Community Halloween Party We have helped with the Adventures in Reading. We put on the luncheon, in March for the Minister's association meeting when Mr. Manter entertained. Our.q group agreed to appoint an altar Committee at Nr. Martin's request, Ms. Underson and Mus Phillips were appointed to serve 3 months.
Our Sunshine Boxes were opened in January and netted us $ 3.0 9 each to ble and del to our treasury ..
In april a new alter Committee was appointed for 3 months, Mrs. Leines and Mrs. Whitten. It the various meetings during the year we have been working out a - bed quilt which was Completed in October. Chances were sold. The drawing was at the Post office Oct. 11. Aus Eleanor Clark Tariant was the winner.
Our next and last project for the year was making door decorations for tomas which were very successful. Those Completes the report of acities of the Fidelio Group- 6 for 1950 Respectfully submitted Buthe P. Brown Sec. pro tem-
adventures in Reading, 1950 I april, the "adventures Sin Reading program (in this & hunch) completed its first year with 19 qualifying reader, reporting a total of 163 booku licad from the list's suggested by the state committee for this Logram. Several other readers reported, but had omitted one or more gralife from their reading.
During this year the Brimfield Library has
Fidelis Report
Aventures
leading Report
1
L
38
Aventures acquired scorral bookson our lists by purchase oud gift. El considerable number were borrowed 1 m Reading I plough the State Lending Library. More recently the Rumferd uhrany had received sonowing botile ged from the southbridge. Library, and JUNGE all books have been borrowed on special requests. If the Church on Sunday mornings and at several LBS meetings, books from the bilararies, with a few - loaned by interested friends, have been made available, especially for the benefit of those who cannot conveniently visit the library itself. Mrs. Ulice Belanger ated Mus. (Bertha Durchenough have taken change of this service, with occasional helfrom Miss Gladys Whether, Mrs. Beatrice Madonned and others.
In November, Mrs. Illingworth gave another The most interesting talks on new books. a number of those present took advantage of the cards distributed wy Mrs. Alice Belanger tto - list books discussed which they would like to see available in our Primary, These lists were then combined and Submitted to the Library Book Com- mittee for their considerations.
oples of the fall supplement to the annual reading list are still available. Requests For any ofthe books desired but not available in the binary, may be made of Miss Dumping Alice Belanger, Berthen Durchenough, or that Spooner, and will be filled at the earliest Jopportunity. Ethel Spooner harman
I have examined the cash account and disbursement
records for the calendar year 1950. Based on such examination made in accordance with accepted auditing procedure, it is my opinion that these records are true and correct.
I would recommend that in accordance with usual church practice a procedure be established whereby periodic statements of amounts received on Church subscriptions are rendered by the Clerk or Treasurer to Church subscribers.
Respectfully submitted,
Roger WBennett
Auditor
39
REPORT OF THE TREASURER, FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, BRIMFIELD , MASS. January 5,1951
Attached hereto, is a statement of receipts and expenses for the year ending December 34, 1950. This statement shows a cash balance of $2237.16 and a net balance after deducting a reserve for Benevolence collections of $1908.41. The difference of $328.75 is payable in full to the Treasurer of the Massachusetts Conference.
One of two comments on the financial activities of the Church during the year are noteworthy. It is certainly gratifying that the receipts from pledges exceeded the budgetted figures and that all other items with the exception of benevolences, either amounted to or exceeded the estimated.
The item of $379.25 expended for Church alterations brings the total cost of this work to $6330. 11. The original estimate for the project was set at $6000.00. Late in the year, the Trustees authorized a pay- ment of $500.00 on the loan secured from the Palmer National Bank for this work which leaves an outstanding indebtedness of $5000.00
In November, the Church received the sum of $1000.00 provided in the will of the late Mr. William H. Peck of New York. This amount was given in memory of Mrs. Florence Pearsall Sherman, deceased and is for "the general uses of the Church". It is the intent of the Trustees to invest this amount at such time and in such manner to be most ad- vantageous to the Church.
Omitting unusual income and expense items, as well as the amount al- ready received on 1951 pledges, shows a net operation balance of $1111.41 against a net on December 31, 1949 of $909.38. This latter figure being the cash balance less accrued benevolence receipts. It appears that the cash position, as adjusted, shows an increase of roughly $200.00.
The budget for 1951, which all of you have seen, shows that receipts from pledges must be increased approximately 10%. In my opinion, this is a minimum as it is quite probable that investment income will shrink somewhat due to the recently revised corporate tax law,
Respectfully submitted.
Treasurer
Everett D, Landen
1
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, BRIMFIELD, MASS.
DECEMBER 31, 1950
Balance 1/1/50
1016.78
Pledge Receipts 1950 a/c
2848.95
Pledge Receipts 1951 a/c
297.00
Plate Receipts
520.28
Investment Income
1230.94
Misc. Income
14.95
Bequest - Wm. H. Peck
1000.00
Benevolences Collections
236.25
Spec. = 11
92.50
Insurance Refund
1.90
Pastor's Salary
1800.00
Pastor's Travel Allowance
300.00
Pastor's Pulpit Supply
60.00
Organist Salary
212.00
Choir Director
212.00
Janitor
300.00
Light and Power
46.47
Fuel
345.97
Insurance
159.25
Parsonage Maintenance
83.76
Church Maintenance
84.60
Interest
183.64
Music
1.60
Church - Alterations
379.25
Payment on Alteration Loan - P. N. B.
500.00
Payment on Bal. 1949 Benevol. a/c
84.40
Payment on 11 = Spec. a/c
23.00
Taxes - Lot - 2 yrs.
6.90
Membership Taxes - Conference
29.97
Pastor's Annuity Payment
40.00
Miscellaneous Expenses
169.58
7259.55
5022.39
Cash Balance 12/31/50 - 2237.16
Less Accts. Payable Benevolence
1 1 328.75
Net Operating Balance 1 -$1908.41
40
at a special meeting following the morning serasee it was Thewho , voted to admet the following to Theeach Membership: Mro. Richard alter by Reaffirmations of Faith Mies Eileen Allen Letter from First Baptist Ch of Ogawans Miso Julia B kicks .. Profession of faith
Hier Joan Tocumber " Profession of faith Richard A Treat Evelin Van Hook Me. Joseph Nam Hack .. Rafformation of faith Olive Weeton (us Day ) ". terry Weston alfred Wigglesworth Raffinations of forth
Letter for. Pack Cong. Ch. of Springfield
Sarah Wigglesworth (Here alfred). Enslyn B Landen, Clark,
May 6 at a special meeting following the morning services. it was voted to admit Carol Jean Wiggles worth) Freekto Church membership upand Profession of faith and Barbara (Vistoes) Hace Comwell by letter from Mio Leva Brown was appointed delegate to the State Conference to be held in Framingham May 13 -15. Evelyn B Landen Clarke
July 8 aspecial meeting of the Church ever held following the morning service to act outils resignation of ie facto and straks provision for the housing of this
Everett D. havdew was elected moderator to serve in
ACTION: 1) Re: resignation of factors: (Copy of letter on page (r) Since "Mr. Master's decision is final, he having acesplace another call before submitting this resignation, have band no alternative but to accept it. amotion was made and seconded to Accept Mr. Manter's Resignation, With Deepest Regret. the motion was voted unanimously, and The Clerk was instructed to notify, This Masters.
1
2) Re: provision for the Sharing of his successor :- There was general discussion of the ovisus ways in while a Pastoral Committee could be appointed Suggestions Contained in the bookest"Isering was Hed Minister, published by the Dept of the Ministry of Congregational Olivection Churches, even ere outlined. Realizing that the selection of members to form the Pastoral Committee should the given very careful Consideration to that a thoroughly representative group could act for the whole membership
41
1951
€ Action
Claration was smode and seconded that the Moderator appoint a committee to choose a Pastoral Committee. Mation uno carried.
The maderatown them appointed the Standing Committee. to nominate a Pastoral Committee.
Letter from Nico Georgia M. Francis of Rutherford, ". Je was rend. Miss Francis, who is 84, offers to give wer Church a book of sermons publiched in 1997. There sermons were written by her great , great grandfather, Nehemiah Williams, and delivered in Brimfield while he served as factor of this Church 1/15-96. also interesting, is the fact that he que at great grandma then supplied that pulpit for a while following hand bestands death.
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.