USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Springfield > Christ Church Parish : Springfield, Massachusetts, 1817-1927 > Part 12
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St. Andrew's of Longmeadow, St. David's of Agawam and St. Barnabas' of Sumner Ave., are missions founded by the Diocese, which thus carries on a work begun by Christ Church in 1846. -L. M.
-M. W. K.
ORGANIZATIONS CHRIST CHURCH SCHOOL
It was in Gloucestershire, England in 1781-2, that the first Sunday School was started by Robert Raikes, a printer. He met with great opposition at first.
Here in Springfield, when in 1819, the members of the Old First Church proposed to start a Sunday School, there was much dissension. Our Sunday, or Church School, as it is now called, in Christ Church, has had a long history. In the early days of the parish many mission schools were held in various parts of the city. There was one, held in the Central Street School, which became the nucleus of St. Peter's Mission, after- wards St. Peter's Church. The first superintendent was Mr. J. Louis Stebbins. The school at the corner of State and Walnut Streets, held in a drug store, was called St. James and had Mr. John Thonger as head. Mr. John E. Shipman had charge of the Sunday School on Auburn Street, while Mr. Horatio W. Southworth was superintendent of the School in West Spring- field. Much later the Rev. Alfred DeF. Snively started a mis- sion and Sunday School at the North end, in the basement of what was then the Universalist Church on Waverly Street. For a time later, the work here was carried on by the Rev. Hugh Wallace Smith, a curate of the parish.
During the early years of Christ Church parish school, the rectors had charge and were the superintendents. Among the laymen who, during the early years of the school, did much to build it up, were Mr. Edmund P. Kendrick, and Mr. H. W. Southworth. Mr. Stedman Craig became superintendent during the rectorship of the Rev. John Cotton Brooks, a position which he faithfully filled for many years. During Mr. Craig's ab-
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sence from the city for a few years, Mr. Thomas Pulsifer Dean served as superintendent. Mr. Craig remembers the school back in 1867-1868 during the Rev. Mr. McKnight's rectorship, when it was held in the basement of the old State Street Church. Among the teachers there, were Miss Adams, who later be- came Mrs. Egbert, Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Rowland, Miss Annie Lee, and the Misses Stella and Louise Warren. A little later, among the teachers, we find the names of Mrs. Alexander Bur- gess, Mr. Van Rensaeler, Mr. Francis Norton, Mr. Edmund Kendrick, Miss Blaisdell and Mr. Safford.
Many interesting customs were started during those years in the old State Street Church. One of these was, for every class to have an emblem, as, for instance, a cross, a lamb, or a crook. When the name of that class was called at the Easter Sunday afternoon service, a pupil, holding aloft the class emblem, car- ried the class offering to the chancel. In those days, was started the custom, since discontinued, of giving each child on Easter Sunday afternoon, a blossoming plant.
At the time of the Rev. Dr. Burgess' rectorship, the pupils numbered about one hundred. From this number the school grew until under Mr. Craig there was an enrollment of between four and five hundred pupils.
While Mr. Craig was superintendent the books of the old School Library, which had outgrown its usefulness, were sold for five cents each. With this money was started the nucleus of a Teachers' Library; also an oak case in which to keep these books was bought. A book plate for use in the Teachers' books was designed by Miss Theodora Knight, a member of the Li- brary committee, whose other members were Miss Leslie Chapin and Mrs. Ernest W. Baxter.
In 1916 the Rev. John Moore McGann, under the expert supervision of Miss Frances Withers reorganized the school, changing the time of meeting from noon to nine-thirty in the morning. At this time was introduced the Christian Nurture Series of lessons, and the school graded to correspond with the public schools. Rev. John Wallace Suter, later the head of Re-
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ligious Education in the Diocese of Massachusetts, soon became the head of the school, followed by Mrs. Annie H. Brown, and later by the Rev. Benjamin Louis Ramsey. The Rev. F. Ver- non Losee is the present superintendent.
It is perhaps fitting to speak of one or two gifts to the school. One of these is the carved oak Alms Basin, given as the in- scription tells us in memory of "Ward Lee Amsden, December 2, 1886-July 4, 1905. The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." In February, 1909, Mrs. Sidney Stevens gave a set of tubular chimes to the Sunday School. The "Chronicle" of that date says :- "They are rung at the opening of the School, and at the end of the lessons. They are uncommonly musical and bring a sense of harmony into the confusion, when seats are being reversed and classes are coming to order. It is a valuable ad- dition to our equipment." In 1916, a member of the Parish pre- sented the school with a copy of the Hastings' five-volume Dic- tionary of the Bible. The brass processional cross used by the Primary Department was bought with money raised by the children. This was done while Mrs. Brown was superintendent. In the Diocesan House, where the Primary Department of the School now holds its sessions, hangs a new picture with a message to little children. This print is notably true in color to the original painting, "The Star of Bethlehem" by Sir Ed- ward Burne-Jones which is now in the Birmingham Art Gal- lery, England. The copy was purchased there and presented to the school by Miss Cordelia Sargent. Mrs. Brown also start- ed the Branch of Little Helpers, in 1914. A quotation from a re- port by the present leader of the Little Helpers may show the importance of the work and what has been accomplished: "The Little Helpers Branch was first known as the Cradle Roll of the Church ยท School, and was considered a regular department of the school, under the control or supervision of the Woman's Auxiliary. A short time later there was a definite step forward in the work of children of pre-school age, for the Cradle Roll combined with the Little Helpers, under Mrs. Brown's direction or leadership. Until 1919 the department of Little Helpers was
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responsible to the Woman's Auxiliary, when they were trans- ferred from the Department of Missions to that of Religious Education. Up to the present time there have been but five chairmen or leaders: Mrs. A. H. Brown, Mrs. Robert Barton, Miss Edith Blodgett, Mrs. M. H. Heckman, and Miss Florence Clark.
The object is to enroll children from birth to school age; to urge upon parents, where necessary, the importance of Bap- tism, and of the early spiritual training of children, and to en- deavor to keep in touch with these children and their parents. The duties of each child are the saying of a prayer and the dropping of a weekly offering in the Little Helpers' Mite Box. The formation of this branch strengthens the link that binds together the home and the Church School."
There are at present about three hundred and fifty pupils enrolled in the School.
WOMAN'S AUXILIARY
An interest in Missions was manifested among the women of Christ Church in the early days before the founding of the Woman's Auxiliary, as is indicated in the old records of the Church. One statement by the Rev. Henry W. Lee, D. D., is as follows: "Dec. 29, 1838 the women belonging to the Parish formed for the purpose of advancing the interests of the Church." Some time after this he reported that they had ap- propriated $10.00 to the Massachusetts Board of Missions, April 1839. Later in a report of the Building Fund of the old Church on State Street, it is stated that the Ladies' Sewing Society con- tributed $200 for missions.
During the rectorship of the Rev. John Cotton Brooks there was in Christ Church a Society of King's Daughters composed of different committees, each one meeting regularly by itself. In the year 1889 these committees were formed into separate organizations, the missionary and sewing committees be- coming the Woman's Auxiliary to the Board of Mis- sions. They met first in the rectory with an attendance of
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twenty, the Rev. Mr. Brooks presiding. The records state that Mr. Brooks was elected president and Mrs. Lawton S. Brooks vice-president. Her efficient leadership as acting president con- tinued for twenty-five years. She has paid the following tribute to many of the early workers: "Many faces rise before me and I wish I might tell you fully of all those earnest helpful women, whose interest meant so much to the young organization. Mrs. Granger was one of the pioneers, and Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Kendrick, others. Mrs. Nathan Adams was always interested, and gave very generously, though never able to attend a meet- ing. Mrs. Egbert was a faithful supporter, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Hildreth, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Marshall, also. Miss Warren was our indefatigable head of the Working Department for many years, and many and many a fine box and barrel she planned and carried through for our missionaries, aided by many whose names I have not mentioned as well as those al- ready given. Among those who have left us are also Miss Lucy Morton, Mrs. Burrell, Miss Burrell, Mrs. Beach and Mrs. Clark, each leaving her impress upon our memories. We think of their faithful work, their enthusiastic interest, as one by one their faces rise before us. I am sorry that I have no written history to which to turn,-one forgets dates so easily. Mrs. John C. Brooks was our first Secretary, if I am not mistaken. Later Miss Burrell, Miss Morton, Mrs. Hudson. Mrs. Baxter and her mother, Mrs. Knight, I remember so well in the old days. Another Mrs. Knight, (Edwin), was an interested at- tendant at the meetings, and helpful in making them useful and instructive. I might run on in this way for some time, as one name after another comes to me." Other interested workers were Mrs. McClean and Mrs. Corcoran. Mrs. McClean faith- fully studied and worked for missions. Her especial interest was the American Indian. The Misses Annie and Louise Stebbins have always been of great assistance through their generosity and hospitality. For many years Mrs. K. N. Washburn per- formed faithfully the duties of treasurer.
The "Birthday Fund" was originated and submitted by the
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secretary, Mrs. T. M. Granger, devoted worker for the Master, whose presence always graced the meetings with an atmosphere of spiritual devotion. The records state: "After a limited dis- cussion it was voted to adopt the same." This method of rais- ing funds by the Birthday Offering has been in operation now for over twenty-five years. The following quotation is taken from "The Pastoral Staff" of Eastertide, 1926:
"A truly sweet and lovely soul has passed to the Church Ex- pectant in the departure from us of Mrs. Timothy M. Granger of Christ Church, Springfield. For nearly thirty-seven years she strengthened and enriched the life of that parish. Her Rector has said of her, 'Her influence was felt in every woman's or- ganization. Her unremitting loyalty and devotion to Christ Church were factors that Rector after Rector has counted upon and benefited by.' Especially will she be missed by the Dio- cesan Woman's Auxiliary, to which she left a generous bequest, as well as to the Guild of St. Barnabas, and the Diocesan Board of Missions .- T. F. D."
In 1919-1920 the Woman's Auxiliary became the "Christ Church Branch in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts of the Woman's Auxiliary to the Presiding Bishop and Council," with its object "To unite all women of this Parish in work for mis- sions, religious education and social service and to increase mis- sionary activities throughout the Parish." Every woman in the Parish is a member of the Auxiliary by virtue of her baptism.
In 1926 a successful "Gold and Silver Offering" was collected by the national organization of the Woman's Auxiliary. The proceeds from the sales of the articles were used by the Board of Missions toward the fund for the re-building of St. Mar- garet's School, Tokyo which was destroyed by the great earth- quake of 1923. Christ Church did her part to make the offering adequate.
Much inspiration has been derived from sending a delegate to the Wellesley Conference in recent years.
Presidents of the society following Mrs. Brooks have been Mrs. Granger, Mrs. McClean, Mrs. Seely, Miss Leonard, Mrs. Barrows and Mrs. Everett.
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GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY IN AMERICA
The Girls' Friendly Society in America has for its object:
"To unite for the Glory of God, in one fellowship of prayer and service, the women and girls of the Nation to uphold the Christian standard of honor and morality."
It has in this Diocese about thirty Branches. The Christ Church Branch was started in July 1888 with Mrs. John Cot- ton Brooks as one of the first Branch Presidents. Under her wise guidance and with the aid of such faithful helpers as Miss Anna Leonard (Mrs. Eustace Bradley), Miss Katherine H. Leonard, Mrs. Charles H. Barrows, Miss Mary Rayner (now married), Miss Annie Stebbins, Miss Ella F. Parsons, Miss Margaret Crocker (Mrs. Lloyd), Miss Alice Crocker, Miss Florence Hawkins (Mrs. Thomas Dyer) the Branch was well established. It has continued to grow, and among the names of more recent years may be found these Associates. Miss Mary Medlicott, Miss Edith Hawkins (Mrs. Sidney Stev- ens), Miss Ethel Hawkins, Miss Josephine A. Smith, Mrs. Wilson R. Hodgdon, Mrs. Edgar H. Guild, Miss Josephine De W. Brooks, Miss Mary Louise Crane, Mrs. Franklin Slater, who either as Associate or Branch President made the Society fill an important place in the lives of the girls who were its members. The number of members has varied but some of those who early joined the Branch are still connected with it, as Senior Members or as Married Members. In 1923 the thirty-fifth Anniversary of the Branch was delightfully observ- ed. A banquet was held with about one hundred members and former members present. Many old friendships were renewed and old days recalled by the reading of letters from people who were members in those early days, and by anecdotes and stories told by those present, of the days when the G. F. S. was new in Christ Church.
This Branch was one of the first in the Diocese to organize a group of Candidates, under the leadership of Mrs. E. O. Smith. These little girls learn the object and aims of the So-
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ciety and will later become members, and receive its badge. This badge is silver, and bears on it the words-"Bear ye one another's burdens." Mrs. J. B. Gleason is now the leader of the Candidates, while Mrs. E. O. Smith helps with the older girls of the G. F. S.
Christ Church Branch has a very beautiful embroidered silk banner which is carried in the procession at the G. F. S. Fes- tival Services. Among the recent Branch Presidents have been Miss Ella F. Parsons, Mrs. Karl Hammond, Mrs. John M. Mc- Gann, Mrs. Harry J. Ferry, Miss Ellen W. Egbert, and the present leader Mrs. Miles M. Hapgood.
PARISH AID
On Oct. 10, 1889 The "King's Daughters" Society, which later became the Parish Aid, was started in Christ Church. The Rev. John Cotton Brooks always presided at those early meet- ings. His interest and enthusiasm did much for the Society in those times. Mrs. Charles Barrows was the first secretary while other women prominent in Parish life followed her in this office. Among these were Mrs. F. W. Chapin, Mrs. C. P. Deane, Mrs. J. M. Ross, Mrs. Henry Hudson, Miss Lillian Clark, Miss C. Belle Woodman, Mrs. Mase Southworth, and Miss Abbey Shumway. Among former presidents we find the names of Mrs. D. P. Crocker, Mrs. T. M. Granger, Mrs. F. W. Chapin, Mrs. Charles Galacar, Mrs. Luke Corcoran and Mrs. A. C. Dutton.
The King's Daughters really consisted of several sub-com- mittees-whose names suggest their work: Chancel Committee, Sick and Poor, Hospitality, Sewing and Industrial Ten.
After a year or two the Outlook Committee was added to get new Workers for the King's Daughters. March 3, 1893, it was voted to change the name of the Society to the Parish Aid and on May 12th of that year the Constitution was adopted which says that the "object of the Society shall be to aid the Rector by uniting the women of the Parish in Christian work
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by stimulating activity, and by creating friendly and social re- lations."
As time went on new committees were formed, some whose work brought them in close contact were linked together, as for example the Flower Committee which worked under the direc- tion of the Altar Committee. It was customary for various so- cieties and committees to make a monthly report of work done to the Parish Aid, which in its way acted as a sort of clearing house.
Two large pieces of work these faithful women undertook, namely, the caring for the Church fabric, and for the Parish House, seeing that they were kept in repair and in order. In this work, there were many helpers, but special mention ought to be made of Mrs. Charles W. Shaw who for eighteen years had the Parish House under her special care, of Miss Katherine Leonard, and of Mrs. George Leonard who saw that the Church was properly cared for.
For some years the Parish Aid has held a fund, the inter- est of which provides flowers on the first Sunday in January in memory of the Rev. John Cotton Brooks.
Mrs. John W. Roberts has been Treasurer of the Parish Aid for almost fifteen years.
The Society has been inactive since Feb. 1918.
ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild, which was really the outgrowth of one of the Parish Aid Committees was started in January, 1908. Its object is the care of the Altar, its linens, hangings and sacred vessels. The first president was Miss Annie C. Stebbins, who still holds the office. The membership the first year was twelve, while at present there are twenty-six names on the roll.
The members of the Flower Guild, which is a Branch of the Altar Guild, place the Memorial Flowers given by members of the parish on the Altars, and see that they are afterwards dis- tributed to the sick and shut-ins of the Parish.
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THE GUILD OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
The Guild of the Good Shepherd founded in 1889 during the early part of the Rev. John Cotton Brooks' ministry, was then called the Sick and Poor Committee of the King's Daughters. It was re-organized by Dr. Slattery in 1908 with about twenty members. Miss Louise Stebbins was the chairman many years.
Oct. 5, 1894 Miss Stebbins was elected by the Parish Aid to represent them at the Union Relief. After the Spanish War Miss Stebbins reported that the committee was caring for sick soldiers in their homes.
There are forty-seven members at present including an auxil- iary branch called the Good Shepherd Aid who make new gar- ments for the poor. Social service case work is the object of the Guild leading to education and spiritual development. Miss Blackfan was the first president when it was re-organized. She held this office for ten years and is the present chairman. Mrs. William H. Chapin, Mrs. Arthur C. Dutton, Mrs. Edward Bradford and Mrs. Samuel Green have also held this office. At present Miss Blackfan and Mrs. Green hold a joint chair- manship, the former having charge of the social case work and the latter of the committee work.
JUNIOR AUXILIARY
The Junior Auxiliary was organized in 1890. The Rev. John Cotton Brooks was the president ex officio. Mrs. Lawton S. Brooks, president, and Margaret Stebbins the first secretary.
The original copy of the constitution in the Rev. Mr. Brooks' handwriting, is in the possession of Miss Daisy Beach. The purpose of the society was to train girls to become members of the Woman's Auxiliary. It was active and flourishing for five years or more.
The attempt at merging the Junior Auxiliary with the Young Communicants' Society in 1902 marks the close of the children's missionary work for a while.
In Nov. 1908, a junior branch of the Woman's Auxiliary was
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organized with Miss Leslie Chapin, (Mrs. Townsend) as presi- dent. In 1913 the societies met in groups, a group in each dis- trict until 1914 when they combined in one group which con- tinued until 1916. Then the missionary work of the boys and girls was carried on a few months under leadership of Mrs. Mc- Gann in connection with week day sessions of Church School.
Now the missionary activities of the children and the young people are supervised by the Church School Service League in the Church School and by the Church Service League through the Girls' Friendly Society.
CHRIST CHURCH GUILD
One of the committees of the King's Daughters Society when the Rev. Mr. Brooks was rector was the Junior Auxiliary, com- posed of little girls. Their last leader was Miss Corinne Baker (Mrs. F. L. Everett). They met on Saturday mornings to sew.
On Nov. 8, 1902, the Rev. Mr. Brooks invited some of the young women of the parish to form a society in co-operation with the Junior Auxiliary, whose members they should guide in their work for missions.
This organization was called the "Young Communicants' Branch of the Woman's Auxiliary to the Board of Missions," The Rev. Mr. Brooks was elected as its president.
It was speedily seen, however, that this was not a good ar- rangement and three months later the two societies separated. In March of 1903, Mrs. Ernest W. Baxter was elected presi- dent of the Young Communicants, and Mrs. Ralph Carleton vice-president. At its second meeting, held in the rectory, were Mrs. Baxter, Mrs. Everett, Miss Egbert, Miss Lillian Clark (Mrs. W. S. Fisher), Mrs. Ralph Carleton, Miss Leslie Chapin, (Mrs. Charles Townsend), the Misses Brooks, Miss Annie Knight, and Mrs. F. S. Chapin.
As the name "Young Communicants' Society" seemed unsuit- able, it was proposed in 1905 to change the name. The choice lay between "St. Margaret's Guild" and "Christ Church Guild."
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The latter was chosen by one vote because one of the younger members who could not spell "Margaret" wrote "Christ Church Guild" on her ballot.
Christ Church Guild is a parochial society, not a branch of a national organization. The meetings are held weekly. The first meeting of the month is devoted to business, a literary pro- gram, and afternoon tea. Among the subjects studied other than missions have been Church History in England and Amer- ica, Christian Art, Current Events in the Church and reviews of books touching upon religious subjects. At all save business meetings the members sew for missions and for other church purposes. An important feature of their work is visiting new members of the Parish or shut-in members of the Guild.
Since its organization, it has been an unwritten law of the Guild that a contribution of money, or of supplies, must be sent each year to parish, city, diocesan, domestic, and foreign mis- sions. The value of these gifts varies from $10.00 to $100.00. The Guild is sound financially, having a reserve fund of $100.00 and a growing memorial fund of $150.00. No individ- ual has been permitted to contribute a large amount to either fund. They are both the accumulation of years. The memo- rial fund, which is entirely money earned by acts of self-sacri- fice, is used toward furnishing the church.
The words of our former beloved rector, the late William Austin Smith, spoken on the occasion of the Guild's tenth an- niversary in 1912 are as applicable today as they were when spoken. According to the Chronicle of that time, he "approved of the work that the Guild has done and is doing for Christ Church and laid especial stress upon the necessity for efficient leadership in securing such a result. Without the splendid en- thusiasm and untiring fidelity of Mrs. Baxter, the Guild could never have become the valuable aid to the Parish life that it is." The loyal members of the Guild made its 25th anniver- sary a festal occasion when in the home of Mrs. F. L. Everett, they honored their beloved president upon her 25 years of de- voted leadership.
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The purpose of the Guild, which at present numbers about 75 active members, is "to put forward the social life of the women of the Parish and to work for, and interest them in, missions and other work of the church."
MOTHERS' CLUB
The Mothers' Club of Christ Church whose object is to pro- mote sociability among its members, interest in Christ Church, and to spread information in child rearing and home making, was founded about the year 1894. It is one of the oldest so- cieties in Christ Church. The first leader was Mis's Alice Crocker, but the organization was perfected while Mrs. Arthur Dutton was the head of the society. The early membership was from twenty to thirty, while at present there are seventy names on the roll.
The society has always been noted for its delectable suppers of home-made food and for the attractive array of domestic articles on its table at the parish fair. It does special work for St. Augustine's School, a colored mission in Raleigh, North Carolina, which they remember annually with money and boxes of clothing. At their meetings they are addressed by speakers on a variety of interesting subjects. Miss M. Louise Stebbins is the present beloved leader.
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