USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Danvers > Exercises in celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the First Church, Congregational, Danvers, Massachusetts: October 8th to 15th, 1922; with an address at the centennial of the Sunday School, November 17th, 1918 > Part 5
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His main contribution, however, to the life of his day was not in the adjustment of his teaching to the new conceptions, whatever he may have wrought in that line. He accom- plished something of yet greater value. He did his work in the light of the unchanging realities. With the fullest appreciation of matters under discussion he lifted everything into that realm of radiance where the eternal, unquestioned verity could be intuitively grasped and, regardless of the yea or nay in things at issue, itself become the sufficient assertion, the sufficient power of life. In other words he had a su- preme faculty for God. He lived in and preached the "real- ities beyond this hard and sordid world," in a sense beyond our analysis, and the inevitable effect was to make men as independent as himself of particular results in the raging conflicts of the time. In his posthumous book of ser- mons, "Certainties and Hopes," the outstanding features are a rapt and poetic at-homeness in the Infinite and a conse- quent quality of timelessness which lifts the reader above the shifting currents of human thought and imparts the primal inspirations of Deity.
By virtue of the elements indicated Dr. Rice was pre- eminently qualified to lead this people during the earlier portion of the period of transition and hand the church on
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to his successors preserved in life, fortified in the basic things of faith, still unified with all that was generic and cardinal in its past.
In 1876 the parish was blest with a revival, the greatest in its history save one. In that year 58 members were re- ceived into the church. The revival was not due to outside help except as the spirit of the times reached the hearts of the people. The work was all done by Dr. Rice and the people in the church. The gracious effects remain unto this day.
A Christian Endeavor Society was organized February 7, 1888, which soon became large in numbers and a very efficient force in the work of the church. I will say more about the society further on.
January 18, 1890, a great disaster overtook the parish in the loss by fire of the beautiful meeting-house. This was the "White Church" built in 1839, a house of worship appropri- ate in style to this old parish and the object of the ardent love of all the people. It is still recalled with regret by many who worshiped within its walls. It was replaced by the building in which we meet today. While this was being erected a spacious temporary edifice called the "Tabernacle" was put up on Hobart Street just east of the parsonage. The people so enjoyed the atmosphere of the Tabernacle that they were almost loath to move when the new building was completed. The present meeting-house cost, with its fur- nishings, about $25,000.00. It was dedicated September 2, 1891, the twenty-eighth anniversary of the installation of Dr. Rice as pastor. Its architecture marks a transition and an adaptation. New outlook and methods were being em- braced by the churches. The people here were awake to the demand for a larger social service on the part of the church. This meeting-house is emblematic of the broader work that is and is to be.
The close of Dr. Rice's ministry marked the end of an extended chapter in the history of the church. His was the last of the old-time long pastorates that are naturally classed together. For 196 years, reckoning from 1698, the beginning of Mr. Green's term of office, to 1894, the church had only five pastors. The five men served an actual total of 187
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years, making an average of 37 2-5 years. Two of these, Clark and Wadsworth, in successive ministries, covered to- gether the remarkable span of 104 years. The unusual length was made possible by the youthfulness of some of the men when entering upon their work. Dr. Braman was twenty-six, Mr. Clark about twenty-five, while Mr. Green and Dr. Wadsworth were each in the twenty-third year. The tie between pastor and people was as a marriage bond. It held long enough for each party to learn, as well as the weaknesses, the fundamental moral excellencies of the other. Noble qualities came to outweigh foibles. So was established a per- manent bond of honor and affection.
The record is remarkable for its demonstration of the civic power of the Christian church. As in ancient Jerusalem, so in Salem Village and Danvers, religion was not dissociated from civic, social, business, and political affairs. In the ac- tivities and preaching of these men there was communicated to the church the spirit of high Christian idealism and of earnest practical labor for the Kingdom of God.
Again, the history is striking in its homogeneity. Each of the five men had a marked individuality and did a work peculiarly his own. And yet from first to last the succeed- ing ministries fitted into each other. All wrought upon the established foundation and each in turn brought forth treas- ures new as well as old. There was no recession or retarding of the movement of church life but, on the contrary, steady and consistent advance. How few churches have a record to match, in terms of serivce so prolonged, in steady con- sistency of progress and in the quality of the men who wrought for them. This group of five form a shining galaxy in the field of New England church history. Let us note them once more as they come down to us in the apostolic succession.
Green-distinguished for love and courage.
Clark-noted for strength of mind and solidity of charac- ter.
Wadsworth-eloquent, spiritual, a man who connected re- ligion with civic interests.
Braman-defender of the faith, exponent of public ques- tions.
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Rice-characterized by discernment, balance. A man ju- dicial, quiet, forceful, spiritual. An executive and a builder.
The record is a possession priceless and permanent. Now abideth Green, Clark, Wadsworth, Braman, Rice-and the greatest of these-shall I complete the parallel? There is no greatest. They are on a common eminence of ability and service.
Lest I fail to deal justly I must add that such a memorable chapter would have been impossible had not the people done their part. Not only did they respond to leadership but they imparted something of their own quality to the men set over them. By their aspiration for and receptiveness to vital things they deepened the spiritual life of their leaders and kept them growing and adaptable men. Speaking in the large, they co-operated with them in the labor of the church and kept them in heart for the prosecution of their highest ideals. The record is one of supreme honor both for the shepherds and the flock.
Dr. Rice was succeeded by Rev. Curtis M. Geer, who was installed January 31, 1895. If the parish had hopes of an- other pastorate similar in length to those gone before it was disappointed. Mr. Geer made a place for himself as a man and as a thinker and preacher. He is remembered today in all these capacities. But he was drawn away by the allurement of teaching and resigned to accept the chair of History and Economics in Bates College. He was dismissed April 8, 1897, and is now professor of Church History in Hartford Theological Seminary. His eminence in his calling is the source of gratification and pride on the part of his old parishioners.
Rev. Harry C. Adams began work September 22, 1897, and served till October 3, 1909. Being in office twelve years, Mr. Adams, in addition to establishing friendly relations with all in his parish became widely known in the town. He left the memory of a strong manhood and a loving Christian heart. Rarely does a minister so command the affection of his people. He was a preacher of ability, worthy to stand in the long succession of men who had given distinction to this pulpit, and a man of unusual spiritual sensitiveness, thus following in the line of the past and helping to preserve the
A PART OF WADSWORTH CEMETERY (See page 120)
In or near the section shown above, are the graves of Rev. Joseph Green, Rev. Peter Clark and wife, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Wadsworth, Rev. Dr. Rice and his first wife, Mrs. Claire Lord Rice. The wives of the first three ministers, Messrs. Bayley, Burroughs and Lawson, are supposed to be interred here. The resting place of Mrs. Samuel Parris is marked by a stone.
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deeply religious element so conspicuous in the life of the church.
After his resignation he was pastor in Cliftondale, Mass., and in the Presbyterian Church of Lake Alfred, Florida. He died March, 1916. A memorial service was held in this room at which a fitting sermon was given by Rev. De Witt S. Clark, D. D., pastor of the Tabernacle Church in Salem. Tender resolutions were adopted by the church.
Rev. Charles S. Bodwell became acting pastor February 10, 1910. He is the only man in the long history who was not settled by installation. A work of permanent value was ac- complished during Mr. Bodwell's administration in the merg- ing of church and parish into one organization. The church had been incorporated in 1890 but the old parish or "Reli- gious Society" had continued in existence, functioning as all down through the years. Under the new provision members of the church at the time of the merger became members of the new organization. Members of the parish not already members of the church were constituted associate members. The way was opened for others in the future who might not wish to unite with the church under the covenant to become allied with it in associate membership. At the same time rules for administration were adopted admirable in their comprehensiveness.
Mr. Bodwell brought to his work a strong interest in the social ministry of the church and accomplished much along that line. A Men's Club was organized which, while having no direct connection with the church and being conducted on a purely social basis, yet was called into life by the agency of the church and is characterized by a distinct and confessed interest in it. The Club has done a great work in stimulating neighborhood social life among the men and continues in full strength to this day.
In his teaching Mr. Bodwell was a courageous exponent of the "New Theology" in its most radical aspects. The church as a whole was not prepared to follow him in all his con- clusions and shortly there developed a serious cleft between the thinking of the pastor and the thinking of the people on points central in the Christian faith. Mr. Bodwell was as- sured by leaders of Congregationalism that there was room
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in the Congregational denomination for men of his convic- tions, but he saw fit to sever his connection with that body. He resigned September 28, 1913, to enter the Unitarian Church.
The present pastor began work the first Sunday of October, 1914, and was installed by council December 10 of that year. He is today just entering upon his ninth year as minister of the church. He has endeavored to conduct his work in har- mony with the traditional spirit of the church and with due regard to the things it holds most dear. At the same time the newer conceptions of truth have been declared and the newer outlook cultivated. To this endeavor the people have given a willing response. The church has proven itself hos- pitable to the truth of religion as developing in this new day.
A cardinal advance has been registered in the adoption of the so-called Kansas City Platform as the expression of the faith of the church. This platform, while conserving the essentials in Christian faith, couches them in terms which do not provoke controversy and which afford a meeting ground for all who are facing toward the light. It reads as follows :
"We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, good- ness and love; and in Jesus Christ, his Son, our Lord and Saviour, who for us and our salvation lived and died and rose again, and liveth evermore; and in the Holy Spirit, who taketh of the things of Christ and revealeth them to us, re- newing, comforting, and inspiring the souls of men.
We are united in striving to know the will of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures, and in our purpose to walk in the ways of the Lord, made known or to be made known to us.
We hold it to be the mission of the Church of Christ to proclaim the gospel to all mankind, exalting the worship of the one true God, and laboring for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the realiza- tion of human brotherhood.
Depending, as did our fathers, upon the continued guid- ance of the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, we work and pray for the transformation of the world into the Kingdom
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of God; and we look with faith for the triumph of righteous- ness and the life everlasting."
To this declaration the church, following the recommenda- tion of the pastor, has appended this minute.
"While we adopt as our own this statement as comprehend- ing the essentials of our faith we do not regard it as a finality in revelation or impose a creedal test for membership in the church. We welcome to our fellowship all who, as disciples of Jesus, strive to know and do the will of God."
The adoption of the Kansas City Platform, with the ac- companying disclaimer of creedal requirement for member- ship, puts the church in line with the broadening spirit of the age as regards the essentials of faith and the liberty of the individual within the church. In recognizing that the primary requirement in Christian living is discipleship to the Master and, in Christian thinking, the quest for truth unhindered by prejudice or outward constraint, so opening the way for differing opinion within its membership and the discovery of truth by the contribution of various minds work- ing from various angles, the church has embodied the vital and basic principle of Christian fellowship and taken a dis- tinct and necessary step in the direction of the unity of all the churches in Christ.
Along with this adjustment in outlook the church has pre- served its old-time character as a body cherishing the deepest things of the spirit. It has gone forward without loss of the inner content of the ancient doctrines. It has not ceased to feel the necessity of thought to religious growth and power and it has resolutely refused to surrender its traditional atti- tude in reference to the prosecution of Christian work. In other words it has continued to be religious, still worshiping the "God of its fathers, known of old," conceiving a personal relation to Him as the only sufficient stay and support of the human soul. It has not entirely lost in these times of change its sense of the value of prayer and the prayer meet- ing as of primary importance in church life and labor. It has not ceased to be evangelical, still proclaiming Jesus Christ as the image of the invisible God, the only sufficient Savior for the individual man and the way of life for the nations.
The outlook and spiritual integrity of the church at this
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time are justification of the process by which it has come thus far. It has gone onward, slowly perhaps, at times miss- ing some aspects of the truth but having within itself the urge that would lead it ultimately to occupy the newer fields of advancing revelation. On the other hand it has never broken with its past nor suffered the loss of vital things which that past embodied. It has carried along to the maxi- mum the inspirations and enlightenments of its continuous life and is ready now to apply them in the service of the new day.
Accompanying and completing these elements of equip- ment is a spirit of harmony and co-operation as truly a ful- fillment as the consummation already brought to our atten- tion. The fellowship following the witch-craft troubles seems to have been a formative influence. Dr. Rice said at the Bi- Centennial that in all the long period since the settlement of Mr. Green, covering a century and three quarters, there had not been "A single serious and obstinate contention among the members of this church and society." The same can be said with good measure of truth as to the last fifty years. Within that period gusts have been blown across our sky. There has been at times, as doubtless within the period characterized by Dr. Rice, disagreement, perhaps high feel- ing, but always the spirit of brotherhood has had rectifying power. The people have "pulled themselves together" and prosecuted their work in the spirit of the Master.
This uninterruptedness of life is typified by the bell that swings in the tower above us. It has come down directly from 1806, when a bell was cast for the old "Brick Church," with sixty Spanish silver dollars melted into its fibres for mellowness of tone. This was removed in 1839 to the "White Church" and there for fifty-one years called the people to the sanctuary, till its chimes were silenced in the fire of 1890. Recast, it hangs in the tower today. But I have read some- where-I shall place it in time-that into the bell of 1806, with its Spanish silver, went the metal of the yet older one which came clanging down when the church of 1785 was lost in flames. So today the bell is emblematic of our life as a people. It is of the long past-as we are. The gospel and the life of the church are the garnered product of the years
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as is the mellow resonance that has called us to worship today.
But it is not enough to set forth the historic spirit of the church and trace the way by which it has come to its present estate. You will ask as to material aspects. Is it flourishing as in the good old days or has it suffered a decline in respect to numbers and the magnitude of its work?
The territory to which the church ministers has been greatly reduced. From the wide section of old Salem Village Middleton has been set off and has long had a church of her own. Many from within the borders of Peabody to the south- ward, who formerly worshiped here, now naturally find their church home in their own town. West Peabody, once tribu- tary, now gathers her people in their own sanctuary.
The Danversport region has been ministered to by the Bap- tist Church since 1781. The growth of the town has seen the organization of other Protestant churches within our old domain. The church has felt especially the withdrawal of members to Maple Street Congregational Church, organized in 1844, and the Methodist Episcopal Church in Tapleyville, founded in 1872.
Changes in methods of transportation have occasioned the loss of territory. The whole Hathorne section, once the home of many families which came to this hill in plenteous and cheering numbers, is now by reason of the trolley line nat- urally diverted to the down town churches. Only a few refuse to sever the long established connection with this par- ish. Nevertheless the effect of these losses upon the life of the church has not been disastrous. Always when beset by misfortune it has rallied and maintained its work with vigor. The figures in regard to membership confirm this statement. In 1772 the total of members was 135; 1828, 100; 1833, 195; (The great increase was due to the revival of 1832, when 83 were received) ; in 1861, 156; 1867, 202; (the largest mem- bership up to that time). Additions in 1876 and 1877, fol- lowing the revival of the former year, brought the total to 223, the largest in the history of the church.
In 1894, when Dr. Rice closed his pastoarte, the member- ship stood at 195. In 1903 it was 194. January 1, 1922,
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there were 196 on our lists. This has since been increased to 208, the present total.
Congregations are not so large as formerly. This is due to some extent to the loss in constituency indicated and also in a measure to the changed attitude toward church interest and attendance witnessed in this day. The maintenance of membership unimpaired in the face of altered conditions is to be accounted for partly by the banishment of creedal bar- riers and the requirement of a convulsive religious experience as evidence of conversion. But the explanation lies princi- pally in the religious vitality of the people. This element has many times saved the day over hardship and catastrophe. The parish has been signally unfortunate in the destruction of its houses of worship, once by demolition thought neces- sary and twice by fire. In recovering from these disasters the people disclosed in every instance a marked degree of vitality and resilience. So, too, in respect to territorial losses. As the spiritual life of the Hebrews was stimulated by the hard conditions of captivity, so here at least it is true that courage has risen with danger and new situations have stirred new faith and power.
The Sunday School observed its centennial in 1918. An address was given by Deacon George William French cover- ing the century of life. Mr. French's memory went back a considerable distance and as a youth he had come in contact with many elderly people who had been associated with the school in its earliest years. The address was so complete as to render lengthy comment by me unnecessary. The men who have served as superintendent at some time within the last fifty years and are now passed away are Edward Hutchin- son, Augustus Mudge, Samuel A. Tucker, Elbridge H. Gil- ford and E. A. H. Grover. Of the living there are William Siner, O. R. Bodwell, Fred H. Nowers, Herbert Flint and the present superintendent, William Richmond.
The longest terms of office in the history of the school are those of Augustus Mudge, 25 years, F. H. Nowers, 14 years, and William Siner, 10 years. The membership re- ported last January was, including Home Department and Cradle Roll, 247.
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The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor has been a prominent feature for a goodly portion of the last half-century. It was at its inception and for a long term of years a very flourishing institution. It has rendered an immense service socially, in the religious culture of the young and in leading them into the larger relation of church mem- bership. It is today a valued element in the life of the church.
The Ladies' Benevolent Society, since its organization ninety years ago, has done the orthodox work of a benevolent society, sewing for the needy, for church fairs, and preparing missionary barrels. In the earlier years the members pur- sued extensive courses of reading in many different fields of literature. Latterly they have demitted the reading feature, as the element of general culture is supplied by the Danvers Women's Association and in other ways. Also, while they still have sewing meetings, they do much of that work at home. A glance at their program for the current year will show the nature and range of their work. It contemplates four sewing meetings, two parish suppers, two parish so- ciables, besides the annual Lawn Party, one address on a topic not directly related to the church, the annual Passion Week devotional service and four missionary meetings. More- over, the ladies are always ready when called upon, for work not covered by their regular schedule, as are, too, the Chris- tian Endeavor Society and all other organizations. The ladies have within recent years made social calls upon all the homes of our community whose members are not allied with other churches and have helped to create a neighborly feeling and a friendly interest in the church.
The outline of work given will suggest a most valuable feature of the ladies' work. Instead of being distributed among different branches as in so many churches, where we find, for example, a sewing society, a foreign missionary so- ciety and a home missionary society, it is all carried on under one central body. The ladies evidently believe in the modern cry for efficiency. There is no overlapping or waste energy. This happy condition is the result of a suggestion by Mrs. Harry C. Adams, made when she was president a number of years ago.
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In their missionary work the ladies have proven invaluable, with their missionary barrels and contributions to swell the benevolences of the church. Their intelligent interest in missions helps materially to keep the cause strong in the church as a whole.
While not claiming distinction for benevolent offerings. the church has a number of times met its apportionment in full. Under the stress of the greatly increased demands arising since the World War contributions have become much larger than formerly. The congregation is distinctly hos- pitable to the appeal of this great interest and is making measurable gains in its material response thereto. While not in the highest rank in benevolent offerings it yet is steady and dependable and is moving on to still better things.
The community which the church serves is practically ho- mogeneous. Unlike many old New England parishes it has not been changed in character by the insweeping of other races and faiths. It is today predominantly American and Protestant. The church has the advantage too of being set in a wide territory free from the competition of other eccle- siastical bodies. There is a friendly feeling toward it on the part of all the people by whom it is surrounded. Conse- quently it has a distinct opportunity to be a neighborhood or community church. It is in good degree meeting this opportunity. Stress is laid upon those features which are calculated to draw the people of the neighborhood together in social relations. The Harvest Festival has served a good purpose in this regard. It has been held annually since 1877 and is itself the development of something which runs much further back. In addition to being a sort of Old Home gathering for the many in the region who were formerly connected with the church, it commands the general support of the immediate community and helps to establish and maintain neighborhood feeling. The church plant lends itself admirably to the promotion of this interest.
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