USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Gathered in 1707 : a history of the First Congregational Church, Braintree, Massachusetts, 1707-1957 > Part 6
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"The culminating event of our years in Braintree was the Brain- tree Tercentenary of 1940 in which it was my privilege, by the unani- mous vote of the Church, to serve as general chairman. This duty
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involved creating a committee of 350 men and women, formulating a widely diversified program, editing and publishing a history of the town, organizing parades and planning fireworks, all within a period of 5 months and designed to give an adequate and factual interpretation of the history of the town and its people. It was Raymond Palmer who proposed the motion that these duties be regarded as the Minister's pastoral responsibilities during the period involved. It was Horace Drinkwater who as Honorary Chairman organized the parade, and it was Thomas Everett Sears who directed with zestful relish the pub- licity program which made the whole affair click. Everything came off as scheduled except for the weather. It rained almost daily but without dampening the ardor of the celebration. The Reverend Anthony Lewis came from Braintree, England to bring greetings from the mother town in Essex. Senator David I. Walsh delivered the historical address and Governor Leverett Saltonstall made the occasion memorable. For the Church, this historical anniversary was climaxed by the dedication of the beautiful 'Mary and Martha' window designed by the late Charles Connick and presented by the Ladies' Aid Society of which Mrs. Charles F. Powers was the president.
"It was following the Tercentenary that I was invited to become the 6th president of Yankton College at Yankton, South Dakota, and in August, 1940, while attending the General Council of Congrega- tional Churches in Berkeley, California, I resigned my pastorate, and my new duties were assumed on October 25th of that year.
"From the foregoing the conclusion of these years is almost ap- parent. As pastor of the First Church in Braintree, it was my part in a time of depression and renewal to bind together in meaningful purpose the many elements of strength abiding in the congregation; to share with the people my deepest conviction of the Gospel for every person, every time and every circumstance; of the Church of Christ as the unique instrument of God's redemption, and of the Holy Spirit as the bond of Christian Fellowship. Here was a situation unique in context. The course of Town and Church was so intimate as to be almost inseparable, and the corresponding influence of the Church in the life of the Town has always been remarkable if not always decisive. The effect was dynamic and creative and to have had even a small share in it was a privilege. Memory lingers long, but in this instance it possesses the added grace of cherished blessing.
"To other hands its care has been committed and through changing circumstances the Church has moved on with the strength of faith and
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the resilience of a renewed youth to a larger and gratifying ministry of grace. For this we can all thank God and praise His glorious name."
REV. DR. AARON N. MECKEL 1941 - 1947
Born in 1905 in Luverne, Minnesota, son of Rev. and Mrs. Carl Meckel, one of five sons in the ministry; graduated from Macal- ester College, St. Paul, Minn., in 1930; from Andover-Newton Theological School in 1935; ordained in 1936; pastorates include Clark Memorial Church, St. Paul, Minn .; Community Church, Newmarket, N. H .; First Congregational Church, Estelline, S. D .; Faneuil Congregational Church, Brighton, five years; First Con- gregational Church, Braintree, January 1941 - December 1947; since 1948, First Congregational Church, St. Petersburg, Florida. Family: Lillian, his wife, a graduate of Northern State Teachers College, Aberdeen, S. D .; children, Valerie and Stephen. Hon- orary degrees: D.D., Northland College, June 1949; L.L.D., Elon College, North Carolina, June 1954. Author of two Pulpit Book Club selections, "New Day for Evangelism" and "Living Can Be Exciting."
In his letter of acceptance of the call to become minister of the First Church in Braintree, Mr. Meckel wrote: "It is with joy and eager anticipation that I accept the unanimous call of your people to become Pastor of First Congregational Church of Braintree. ... We have con- stantly sought the guidance of God and feel that it is His will that we take up such a promising task and opportunity as your parish offers. In these days of testing and trial, we shall require the loyalty and cooperation of every last friend and member of First Church. If we are not mistaken, the unanimity and cordiality of your call evinces an eager desire to build the Kingdom of God. It is in that spirit that we accept your call." In his first sermon, Mr. Meckel took for his subject, "Let's All Go to Church" and said in part: "There are several reasons for which we need to go back to church. Church attendance enables us to bear our personal witness for Christ and His church in a world that tragically needs both. If the church is not quite all that some folk would like it to be, we shall not set it right by empty talk, but by faithful personal example. We need to go to church to receive carefully pre- pared instruction in the art of Christian living."
Braintree was in the early stages of rapid growth and expansion just prior to the war activity of the 40's and the newcomers, as well as the long-time residents of Braintree, flocked to the Church and the attendance records were greater than ever before. During his seven years of ministry, Mr. Meckel received 704 new members into the
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Church, an average of almost 101 a year. The Sunday School enroll- ment kept pace with the increase in Church membership and attendance and it soon became apparent that additional space in the Parish House was imperative.
Thus, in 1941, the Church appointed a building committee to consider enlarging the Parish House and a "Victory Building Fund" was launched in 1942, this committee to be later combined with a building committee with definite plans. A bequest received from Peter Ness of $2,000 made possible the cancellation of the parsonage mort- gage, and in 1946 some of the money raised for building purposes was "loaned" to the Church to make necessary, outside repairs. The ex- pansion of the Parish House was actually delayed until 1948.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Meckel were intensely interested in missionary work and in June 1945, the Church had the experience of sponsoring Rev. and Mrs. William E. Booth as missionaries to Africa, at which time an impressive commissioning service was held. Since that time, a portion of the Church's yearly missionary contribution has been designated for the support of the Booths, who took up their work at Adams College and Adams Mission Station in Natal, South Africa.
Another highlight of Mr. Meckel's pastorate was the employment of the first Director of Religious Education at First Church, Mrs. Jennie Winsor. In writing of his experiences while minister in Braintree, Dr. Meckel said: "Mrs. Winsor's coming as a full time Director of Christian Education was an accomplishment of my ministry on which I look back with deep satisfaction. While I cannot take credit for the fine work she did, yet I am happy that I was instrumental in securing her services. With her wise help and guidance, we also began the Youth Group known as "The University of Life.' Richard Farnsworth, James Sisson and others will recall how we worked together to round up the kids and keep them active and interested. I always felt that we had an unusually fine Sunday School and youth group at First Church. And you have kept building in that direction, strongly.
Dr. Meckel's summary continues: "If I remember correctly, funds were accumulated during my ministry for the enlargement of the Church building. And though I never had the satisfaction of witnessing the actual enlargement of the Church, yet I am happy to think that I had something to do with 'sparking' activity in that direction. Mrs. Bessie Farrington also came to us as the first full-time Church secretary during my ministry. There never was a finer secretary anywhere, and
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REV. DR. AARON N. MECKEL, 1941 - 1947
*
S
THE CHURCH PARSONAGE AT 84 HOLLIS AVENUE, BUILT IN 1876
Lillian and I are happy to know that she is still filling this important place in the life of First Church.
"The Men's Club had a new lease of life shortly after we came. We used to get out around 100 of the fine men of First Church; and how we did enjoy our monthly meetings. The fellows will recall the Club's Men's Quartette in which I had the privilege of singing as second bass. Elmer Wilcox, and John Maxwell were also members of this quartette with faithful George Lane as our pianist. Many a night it snowed hard; but dear Arthur Hastings managed to get the sidewalk shoveled. I shall never forget Arthur, or the splendid men of the Club. We had good times together.
"And will you forgive me for recalling that I wrote my first book while in Braintree? It was entitled 'New Day for Evangelism,' and who knows but what it may still be seen on the bookshelves of my long- suffering Braintree parishioners. If 'Living Can Be Exciting' (the title of my latest book) it is partly because of the thrill my ministry in Braintree gave me.
"I always sought, and rightly so, to place Evangelism and Christian World Missions at the center of our Church activities. That has always been my philosophy of Churchmanship. If a Church is strong in this respect, it is strong everywhere. New members, as well as finances, are then readily forthcoming, and you have a spiritually healthy Church. Lillian and I are proud to know that First Church in Braintree is con- tinually making new history. God is blessing you richly, and we re- joice!"
Referring to Mrs. Farrington, who began her work as Church secretary in December 1942, Mr. Meckel's first secretary was Miss Gladys Hall who served two terms - from September 1940 to January 1941 and from January to December 1942. Mrs. Farrington has retired, after nearly fifteen years of service, as of July 1st, 1957 and was ten- dered a farewell reception by the Co-Workers and her many friends.
Dr. Meckel assumed the pastorate of the First Congregational Church in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1948 where the average attendance during the winter season is 2,500. He has been a member of the National Council of Churches Department of Evangelism and was recently voted one of the six outstanding Congregational preachers of the nation by the readers of the Christian Century Pulpit. Dr. Meckel is also known for his "Your Unseen Friend" weekly radio broadcasts on the Florida Station WSUN.
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In his farewell message to First Church upon his departure from Braintree, Dr. Meckel wrote: "It has been a rare privilege to serve you during these past seven years. Progress in a pastorate is bound to come when a minister is undergirded, as I have been, by a loyal and capable staff, and by hundreds of spiritually wide-awake and concerned people. This precious task and work we now give over into your hands and into the hands of the man whom you will choose as our successor. A capable pastoral supply committee has been appointed, and somewhere God has a strong and inspired spiritual leader for First Church. When he comes, give him the same love and prayerful support you have given us. Great and promising days lie ahead. Dare to believe it. Meanwhile, we shall be remembering one another in our thoughts and prayers. God's blessing and guidance be with you all, always."
REV. DR. JOHN PRESCOTT ROBERTSON 1948 - 19 . .
Born in Norwood, Mass., January 5, 1916, son of Charles and Helen Robertson. Graduated as valedictorian of Norwood High School class of 1933; cost comptroller, Norwood Press, 1933-36; associated with Coulon-La France System, Boston, 1936-39; post- graduate study, Boston Latin School; A.B. degree in 1944, Tufts College; S.T.B. degree in 1945, Tufts Divinity School; ordained June 19, 1945, at Woburn, Mass .; Director of Religious Educa- tion, West Medford Congregational Church, 1940-42; minister, Montvale Congregational Church, Woburn, 1942-45; Director of Religious Education and Assistant Minister, First Congregational Church, Winchester, 1945-48. Installed minister of First Congre- gational Church, Braintree, October 28, 1948. Married Barbara Lewis, daughter of Philip and Marguerite Lewis; children: David, Joanne, Carol, Martha and Donald. Dr. Robertson received an honorary D.D. degree from Tufts College in June 1957.
A number of Braintree people have contributed to the following article concerning Dr. Robertson's nine years of ministry and his record of achievement:
In June 1948, the First Congregational Church of Braintree ex- tended an unanimous call to John Prescott Robertson, then Assistant Minister and Director of Religious Education of the First Congregational Church, Winchester. This was Dr. Robertson's first full-time pastorate, since he had served the parish in East Woburn during his Seminary days. In a letter of introduction to the Braintree constituency, Dr. Howard J. Chidley, minister of the Winchester Church, had this to say:
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"Mr. Robertson came to us three years ago, and, of the four assistant pastors whom I have had, he stands out head and shoulders above them all. He is not afraid of hard work, he is fond of all kinds of people from little children to the aged, and has served them faithfully and efficiently in every situation in which he has been put. He has gone beyond the requirements of his office to take on responsibilities cheerfully which would normally fall within my field when I could not handle certain engagements myself. He has conducted wed- dings and funerals to great satisfaction to those involved when I have been out of the parish. Mr. Robertson comes from a strong, religious background. He is sincere, earnest, and capable. I can recommend him to you without hestitation or equivocation, and would go further in saying I think that your church would be fortunate in having him come as your pastor and Mrs. Robertson as your pastor's wife."
The call was accepted, and on June 20, 1948, Dr. Robertson preached his acceptance sermon, entitled "Matching His Hour with Destiny."
The new minister brought with him his wife, Barbara Lewis Robertson, who, as the gracious parsonage hostess, has ably and loyally shared in his ministry.
First Church offered a great challenge to this eager, enthusiastic, energetic pastor-preacher, and immediately upon arrival, Dr. Robertson set about the planning of a "Program of Progress" which has resulted in many radical and creative changes in the life of First Church during the last decade.
At his first annual meeting on January 26, 1949, Dr. Robertson said: "We have a noble heritage. Years of devoted labor by ministers and people have made it something to hand down to another generation. But, if we are to do this, we must work for it. We must believe in it. With God's purposes in view, with God's guidance to sustain us, and with a strong determination to be true to our Christian convictions, we shall succeed."
New members have been received on the average of 116 annually. In 1949, First Church led the Massachusetts Conference with 173 new and reinstated members received. The acquisition of 1,065 new mem- bers in nine years is without parallel in any other church in our Massa- chusetts Conference. In the realm of finance, there is no mortgage, no indebtedness! The annual income has increased from $19,825 in 1948
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to an anticipated return of $53,000 in 1957! Invested funds now total $29,513. The establishment of a single, centralized budget and sound fiscal policies have assured enduring financial stability. During the years 1956 and 1957 when a "frozen budget" existed, the people of this parish supported their church and its building fund in the amount of $120,000 annually. This, in itself, is a remarkable record estab- lished by a dedicated and devoted people.
A new and unique pattern of organization, "The Unit System," brought adults and young people of all ages into organic relationship with the total church family while providing unusual experiences of worship, study, recreation and service. Policies of single responsibility, non-self succession, and new member assimiliation stimulated creative imagination, and effected a maximum participation in the responsi- bilities of church life. In recognition of the great value which this type of assimilation reaped in the life of the Church, Dr. Robertson told his people at the 1953 Annual Meeting: "What I hope to see year by year at First Church is the steady growth of informed, mature, consecrated Church members for whom to be a Christian is not merely to make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, but to accept a vocation to advance and extend the Church of Christ. I hope, too, to see First Church become more effective in making a better Braintree, and, as a conse- quence, a better world. It has no moral right to exist for itself alone."
With the coming of Chaplain Charles Pigott, USN, in 1951 as the first of several Assistant Ministers, the staff began to grow and multiple services were inaugurated. In recent years, triple services have been conducted on Thanksgiving, Chirstmas, Palm Sunday and Easter. The annual attendance at morning services has risen from 14,492 in 1948 to an all-time high of 26,052 in 1956. The present rate indicates that this figure will be exceeded by several hundred in 1957.
A system of thirty colonies or units extended the influence and service of the Church to its widely scattered constituency. The Board of Deaconesses, charged with the supervision of the unit system, was increased from 9 to 72 members over the years. Democratic control was assured through a representative of each committee and organiza- tion with a vote on the Standing Committee. At the Annual Meeting in 1952, Dr. Robertson expressed his appreciation to the people of First Church for the readiness with which they accepted these changes, when he said: "I am above all things continually thankful for the Christ-like spirit which enables so many people to work together in love in this historic Church for the glory of God."
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REV. DR. JOHN PRESCOTT ROBERTSON, 1948 - 19-
THE SANCTUARY OF THE PRESENT CHURCH, BUILT IN 1912
A rich and varied program has been built upon this firm organi- zational structure. Duplicate and triplicate services of worship on Sunday mornings with the best in church music under the gifted and consecrated leadership of Muriel Peterson Robinson; a Church School which ranks among the leaders of our denomination; a Women's Council and four fine women's organizations; a Men's Fellowship; a growing program of adult education; these and many other features have contributed to a program that is unique, inspiring and widely helpful. "A church must have a prepared program of progress in order to deserve the support of its people in personal services and money. A church which has clear direction of program may justifiably expect to rally the time, talent and treasure of its people." Thus spoke Dr. Robertson in his most recent annual report to his people in January of 1957.
At the heart of the First Church ministry, Dr. Robertson has steadily maintained the spiritual emphasis. This has been evident in the prominent place accorded the Sacraments, in the nurture of the devotional life of the Parish, in the care and thought given to the planning of significant and inspiring worship services, and in the strong, spiritual tone of the weekly sermons.
This spiritual impulse has extended beyond the boundaries of the Church into the life of the community, state and nation. During the nine years that he has been associated with First Church, Dr. Robertson has twice opened the sessions of the United States Senate with prayer. Each year since 1948, he has been invited by the Speaker of the Massa- chusetts House of Representatives and the President of the Massachusetts Senate to invoke God's blessing upon their respective bodies. During this period, also, he has served the Old Colony Council, Boy Scouts of America as its Protestant Chaplain, and has been an aggressive advocate of the God and Country award, having written articles and participated in regional conferences for the Massachusetts Council of Churches.
Freemasonry has honored him with his election to the office of Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1948, an office he still holds in addition to the chaplaincy in Delta Lodge, Brain- tree. As a member of Rotary International, he has represented this service club on many speaking platforms throughout Massachusetts.
Special projects in our town, Association and Conference have been generously supported. The South Shore Ministerial Association, which Dr. Robertson founded and served as its first president; as well as the Braintree Fellowship of Protestant Ministers and their wives
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have been assisted to a place of commanding strength in the Protestant Community. Through his "Sunday Radio Vespers" and "Religion in the News," a radio ministry, our Pastor has extended his service to many thousands of listeners in Eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island. His larger interests have been global in scope, his activities directed by world vision. For as he has challenged his people: "It is foolish to think you can make small plans if you are out to move the souls of men! It is impossible to make small plans and be under the influence of Jesus Christ!"
Throughout his ministry here in Braintree, Dr. Robertson has not failed in strong, direct, and inspiring personal influence upon individuals. Indefatiguable in the fulfillment of parish duties, he has ministered helpfully to thousands in perplexity and sorrow; has inspired new hope and courage in young and old; has kept in personal touch with the men of First Church in the Armed Forces of their country; has been a true shepherd of the flock.
Such a record of achievement testifies to Dr. Robertson's adherence to the Master's behest :: "Whosoever will be great among you . . . shall be servant of all."
ASSISTANT MINISTERS 1951-57
On November 4, 1951, Rev. Charles S. Pigott, B.S.B.D., a lieutenant in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy, became an assistant to Dr. Robertson. A native of Mississippi, Chaplain Pigott graduated from Mississippi College at Clinton and completed his theo- logical work at Andover-Newton Seminary. He had served for five years with the Armed Forces Chaplain Corps in Panama, the Pacific and Korea. In April 1952, Chaplain Pigott was decorated with the Purple Heart and Navy Commendation Ribbon with Combat "V" clasp for heroic action with the First Marine Infantry Battalion in Korea in 1951. He left Braintree in June 1952 to return to his chaplaincy duties.
From September 1952 until June 1953, Kenneth H. Slater was the assistant minister, alternating with Franklin P. Smith in the spring of 1953 in the work of teaching High School morning classes at the Masonic Temple. Brief details of the background of these two young men will be found in the chapter on Sunday Schools.
Rev. Paul M. Dietterich was the assistant minister from July 1953 until January 1955 when he felt he must devote more of his time to directing the Church School, and his place at morning services was
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taken by Rev. Silas W. Anthony, who had just concluded 50 years in the Christian ministry. He served the Congregational Church in Brighton for 35 years and was elected Minister-Emeritus. In November 1955, he resigned to become interim minister at the South Congre- gational Church, Brockton. His place was taken, for a short period, by Rev. William C. Bisset of Rockland.
In January 1956 until January 1957, Richard E. Ryder, Jr., a student at Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, was the assistant minister. Mr. Ryder, of a Congregational family is a native of Connecti- cut, and graduated from high school in West Hartford, and from Amherst College with a pre-theological background. Before coming to Braintree, he served as assistant minister at the Forest Street Union Church in Methuen. The remainder of the 1957 spring season was filled by Dewey Findley, whose background is given in the chapter on "The Sabbath School and Christian Education."
REV. AND MRS. WILLIAM R. BOOTH
In 1945, Rev. and Mrs. William R. Booth were commissioned at a service at the First Congregational Church as missionaries to Africa. A son of the Pine Tree State of Maine and educated at Bowdoin College and the University of Maine where he specialized in agriculture and animal husbandry, Mr. Booth took his theological training at Hart- ford Seminary where he was awarded the William Thompson Fellow- ship.
Before going to Africa as a missionary of the American Board of Foreign Missions, Mr. Booth was pastor of the Congregational Christian Church in Vernon Center, Conn. He and his wife went to the Universities of London and Cambridge in England, where they studied theology for a year. The Booths had expected to go directly to Africa from England, but because of travel conditions and the War, they returned to the United States but sailed in 1946 for Africa. First came a study of the Zulu language and a general "learning of the ropes" at Groutville. Then Mr. Booth took up his triple responsibilities as head of the Theological School at Adams College, Natal, South Africa; chaplain at Adams College, Adams Mission Station in Natal, and ad- visor to a group of African Churches as a member of the Executive Synod.
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