USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Genealogical history of the town of Reading, Mass., including the present towns of Wakefield, Reading, and North Reading, with chronological and historical sketches, from 1639 to 1874 > Part 73
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Mr. President, let us not forget that this building stands on his- toric, classic, and hallowed ground. Here, one of the early and learned Puritan divines, the second minister of this town, erected his family altar more than two centuries ago ; here he courted the muses, here studied, and went hence to preach philosophy and ethics to the early settlers, and here sought that power his youthful muse to inspire,
" That touched Isaiah's hallowed lips with fire."
Here, too, were the birthplace and home of some of the most eminent, honorable, and revered sons of our town. The venerable mansion that was recently removed to give place for this structure, which was the home of that eminent divine, and had sheltered many generations of his successors, still stands in near proximity. Long may it remain, a relic of the olden time and a memento of departed worth ! Let us rejoice that this ancient site is still to be historic and classic; that in the shadow of that retreating old parsonage this lofty temple has arisen, - massive, towering, grand, capacious, convenient, beautiful ; sacred to social, scientific, and moral improvement and happiness.
Towards heaven it lifts its turret fair, With golden dials beaming : The nation's flag is waving there, With starry banner streaming.
Mr. President, while we admire this fine house, in its skilful design and artistic execution; let us not omit to award due credit and commendation to the accomplished architect whose wisdom planned it, and to the ingenious mechanics whose cunning hands have fash- ioned this complete and elegant work ; like the laborers who built Bunker Hill Monument, may they, in the sentiment of the immortal Webster, look up and around here, and be proud of the results of their toil
And what shall we say of him, the moving, living cause of the grand result that we this day celebrate ; of him whose generous impulses and wise regard for the people's welfare first originated the plan and objects of this important work; of him whose inexhaustible generosity and
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apparently inexhaustible purse were fully equal to the utmost extent of the architectural pencil, in its demands for magnitude, proportion, convenience, artistic taste, and beauty ; of him who now turns it all over a free gift to the town of his adoption, the ancient home of his ancestors ; of him who is now the cynosure of all eyes, the exponent of munificence, the Leo of the occasion, - our godfather, our name- sake, and our friend? Of him I am led to exclaim, O fortunate man ! Fortunate in possessing that business skill and enterprise that have enabled him, in honest trade, to amass the means of his un- bounded liberality. Unbounded liberality, we say, for we forget not that this rich gift is only one of many emanating from that abundant liberality on which might justly be inscribed the stately motto, E plu- ribus unum. Fortunate man, we repeat, in having been favored of heaven with a disposition to avail himself of the heavenly sentiment that " it is more blessed to give than to receive "! Fortunate in being moved to expend his means upon objects of high, generous, and per- manent usefulness, thus securing the power to enjoy the sweetest kind of earthly felicity, viz. a consciousness of having made others wise, useful, and happy! This sweet felicity may he long live to realize ! Long may he have the delightful satisfaction of witnessing, going forth from the recesses of this beautiful temple, the light of knowledge, of science, and of liberty, and the principles of good order, justice, and philanthropy. And after he shall have become fully rich in the mer- chandise of wisdom, and shall have fully served his generation here below, may he find an abundant entrance and welcome and home in the Celestial Temple, the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens ; and may the memory of his name and good deeds long live after him, and their influence bless posterity.
John S. Eaton, Esq., then pronounced the following poem, written by himself for the occasion : -
He who performeth noble deeds, Rears temples with his gold, - For him the future hath its meeds, His fame the centuries hold !
And he whose own unaided power Makes shining treasure his, Then scatters it, - a golden shower, - The grandest victor is !
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Wearing to-day no regal crown, Unheralded by drums, Yet laurelled with a high renown, Cyrus the conqueror comes.
For he, a youth, within the fold Of hills that shut him in, Beheld, as on a map unroll'd, The trophies he might win.
Unfettered, from that mountain door His daring thought outwent ; In dreams he held - as now, in store - Wealth of the Orient.
Uprose the height he fain would tread, Bright flashing in the sun ; His tireless steps then upward sped, And the rich prize was won !
Now at his wish earth's agents yield ; Steam and the winds his slaves, Speeding his forces, myriad-wheeled, His products o'er the waves.
An army marches at his word, Guiltless of battle stains ; No sabre in their ranks, nor sword, Their only weapons, - canes.
Where'er this powerful army moves, Along these plains of ours, Vave musical the leafy groves, - And in its footsteps, flowers.
Their leader's keen, sagacious glance Brings distant thousands near, And in the van of their advance, Old landmarks disappear.
The levelled hill, with smoother sod, Discloses lovelier views ; The narrow lane and winding road Stretch straight, broad avenues.
The quaint old roofs of earlier days Scarce meet our vision more ; While statelier dwellings in their place Embellish slope and shore.
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Thus, while the ancient relics fade, And vanish from our view, Our town, in fresher robes arrayed, Prepares to greet the new !
March on, transforming army, march, With beauty crown each vale ! While we inscribe on laurelled arch, - " Cyrus, the prince, all hail !"
It stands complete, -this promised gift, - Munificent and fair ; Skyward its pointed turrets lift, Cleaving the wintry air.
Complete each graceful arch and niche, Complete from base to tower ; While all its ample walls are rich With scroll and leaf and flower.
A gift so precious and so grand, So excellent and rare, The rhythmic praise at our command Seems incomplete and bare.
We note in this exalted gift, One name outshines the rest,
As one tall pine may grandly lift Above a mountain crest,
High o'er the trees whose branches throw Their shadows at its feet, -
Yet valued all, the high, the low, The landscape to complete ;
So in this glittering coronet We have a central gem, While lesser jewels, proudly set, Complete our diadem.
Secure, these lofty walls shall hold Their wealth of classic lore ; Bright gems of thought in leaves of gold, - A rich, increasing store ;
A fountain ever full and free, Alike for age and youth. Perpetual may its blessings be, Drawn from the wells of truth !
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Secure, these guarded vaults retain Their records, worn and brown ; The olden records which remain, - The archives of the town.
This ample and attractive room, With tasteful colors bright, Shall bring to thousands, as they come, An ever new delight.
And from this platform, which we tread With diffidence and doubt, Scholastic essays shall be read, And polished lines go out ;
And Music, here, its notes shall lend, In melodies most sweet ; Science and Art, congenial, blend, To make its charms complete.
While, over all, in ordered line, Keeping sure watch and ward, The burnished barrels, silent, shine, - The muskets of the "Guard."
And here the rich " Memorial Hall " Its precious names shall hold ; Its roll of honor, 'neath the pall ; Its heroes, framed in gold.
Their fame shall fadeless marbles tell Through all the coming time, Who 'neath the Starry Banner fell, And made their deaths sublime.
New lustre, then, shall gild their names, As the bright years increase, Who died in battle's awful flames To give their children - Peace.
And here, on freedom's holy ground, Her green slopes bright with dew, For earnest souls, it shall be found, Peace hath her triumphs, too.
Marches progressive, now begun, Will test the zeal of youth ; For he with tireless steps must run That holds the race with Truth !
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The Future on the glorious heights Marshals her shining ones, And to the fields of bloodless fights Summons her fearless sons.
Her white tents grace the shadowy hill ; I see her camp-fires gleam ; I hear her bugles, echoing shrill From mountain-peak and stream ;
I hear the mustering of the hosts, Her thousands fair and strong, - To reach the high, commanding posts, For conflict with the Wrong.
Those legions, girt with strength from Heaven, And panoplied in light, - To them, rich conquests shall be given, The victories of Right !
While the procession of the years Its steady march shall keep, In time with the revolving spheres, In their sublimer sweep, -
Here may this massive temple stand, Unmarred its walls and pave, - Memorial, undecayed and grand, Of princely hands which gave ;
Bearing its treasures rich and fair Unstained as in their prime, With all its cherished emblems, there, Down to the latest time !
Greet it, earliest light of the dawn ; Let it bathe in the golden day ; And radiant tints, from the sunset drawn, On its turrets linger and play !
" These moments entrancing," was next sung by the choir. The Pres- ident, Hon. P. H. Sweetser, then made the following congratulatory address : -
It was said of Hannibal that all he needed to complete his martial virtue was, that when he had gained a victory he should know how to use it. I think, ladies and gentlemen, we shall not say of our distin-
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guished fellow-citizen, to whom we are indebted for this splendid and commodious edifice, that, having gained treasures, he does not know how to use them.
It has been common for those who possess great wealth to hold on to it, as with a miser's grasp, until, in the providence of God, their palsied hands must let it go ; and then, perchance, to leave it to con- tentious heirs, or bequeath it in some direction where the half of it never should be heard of more.
The pious Baxter put aside a sum of money with which he intended to endow a school. By some fatality the money was all lost. He blamed himself for the misfortune, and resolved never to defer another opportunity for doing good.
Our late distinguished fellow-countryman, Mr. Peabody, is widely known and honored for his more than princely benefactions. He seemed to appreciate the poet's sentiment, that charity is twice blessed, blessing him that gives and him that takes ; he seemed to believe that money invested for the well-being of mankind returns a higher and surer interest than stocks and bonds ; that while commerce brings gold, generosity makes it permanent gain.
Other wealthy individuals, prompted, I trust, by the precepts and example of Him who went about doing good, are performing noble deeds by contributing of their ample means to promote the welfare of their fellow-men.
I congratulate you, fellow-citizens, that we are the recipients of a costly bounty, and that we receive it from one of our own citizens, whose worthy ambition, and splendid enterprise, and public spirit, and liberal hand have won for him the treasures and the honors he enjoys.
We did not expect, when we heard that a Town Hall would be erected for us, such a temple as this. It is builded costlier and better than we knew. What the giver intended, I cannot say ; but he has given us a surprise. Surprises are sometimes dangerous. Let us endeavor to bear this with becoming fortitude, and turn it to the best account.
You are aware that this is not the first token of Mr. Wakefield's re- gard for the interests of the town. The beautiful diploma, which, for several years, our High School graduates have received, and which those who hereafter graduate will receive, is an evidence of his desire to stimulate the young in the pursuit of knowledge, and of his appreci- ation of the value of education. His address, to which we have all listened with delight, clearly evinces that the education of the people is an object very precious in his sight.
Mr. Peabody, to whom I have alluded, on a public occasion ex-
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pressed the following sentiment : "Education - a debt due from pres- ent to future generations." I know that this sentiment has the hearty approval of Mr. Wakefield ; that it is, indeed, his sentiment. I know it is his desire that this town especially, whose educational reputation first attracted his attention and induced him to locate here, shall pre- serve and increase its educational privileges, and transmit them to its future generations.
And I rejoice that his liberality is not restricted by the limits of a town ; his public spirit and his generous purse are known abroad ; his generosity is becoming chronic. Who will remonstrate if it become contagious? If our ever-vigilant Chief Magistrate should learn that it was spreading into other towns in the Commonwealth, especially in the form in which it is presented to our delighted vision here to-day, I do not believe he would hasten to appoint Commissioners to stay its prog- ress ; but that, instead, he would exclaim, " All right ! Let it spread !"
In the old Town Hall - the first that I remember, and that in which many of us cast our first ballots -there was but a single room, and a single key gave entrance to all its accommodations. A large bunch of keys is required to open the various halls and rooms of this commodi- ous structure. It is a noble edifice, grand in purpose, admirable in design, costly and beautiful in build and finish ; an honor to the town of Wakefield, and to the renowned old Commonwealth of Massachu- setts.
For myself, as a citizen of the town, I thank the noble donor for his munificent benefaction. For the more than four thousand inhabitants of the town of Wakefield, I tender heartfelt, earnest thanks. And I am justified in saying that the people's gratitude to Mr. Wakefield will increase, as the privileges and blessings he has conferred upon them shall be accepted and enjoyed.
I cannot doubt that the citizens of the town will receive the gift with a desire, and with the purpose to regard the donor's wishes in relation to its use. And I know his aspirations will be satisfied, if the keys which unlock these material doors shall be the medium to unlock human hearts ; to open to the light of truth and knowledge immaterial and imperishable minds.
The Secretary of the Building Committee, Mr. Allen, here read a letter from His Excellency Gov. Claflin, regretting his inability to share in the delights of the occasion.
Dr. George B. Loring, of Salem, was introduced to the audience, and spoke as follows : -
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LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :
I have listened with great interest to the exercises of the afternoon, in which your own citizens have in graceful and appropriate phrase dedicated the gift which your generous townsman has made, and around which he has woven his own well-expressed views upon the value and importance of education to a free community.
But it is not alone the liberality of him who has presented this beau- tiful hall to the town which bears his name, that we are called upon to remember ; for there is a significance in the gift itself which should not escape our notice. The earth is strewn with representative and signifi- cant structures, designed to mark the memorable events of history, or to perpetuate the memory of the great and good, or adapted to the civilization by which they are surrounded. The forms of heroes have been preserved with ideal beauty in marble and bronze ; to the mem- ory of saints has the grandeur of churches and cathedrals arisen ; to gratify a depraved and savage taste, the splendors of the amphitheatre have been dedicated ; to mark the lines of social distinction, gorgeous and resplendent halls have been devoted. To art and architecture do we owe the elaborate and interesting records which man has left be- hind him of his religious faith, his personal distinction, his social rela- tions, and his civil institutions. All around us stand the monuments which he has erected to himself, to society, the church, and the state. Among these significant structures shall stand this building, which you now dedicate to the intellectual and civil service of this town. Here may the inquiring mind find opportunity to traverse the paths of knowl- edge, led by those who, in the form of public address, would instruct their fellow-men. Here may the municipal duties of this thriving and prosperous town be discharged in a manner worthy of intelligent free- men, clothed with the responsibilities of citizenship. Tell me, if you can, what nobler structure can arise than that which has for its founda- tion the cultivated mind and the broadest civil freedom of an American community. Nowhere but in our own land is a place to be found for such a public edifice, - a hall for popular lectures, and a citadel for the defence of the highest popular rights. You may well congratulate yourselves on the possession. You may well congratulate yourselves that prosperity has attended the path of one who knows so well how to use her gifts.
To the old and the young I would commend the example of your benefactor. Recognizing the privileges which are the inheritance of every American, he has done what he could to perpetuate them. An enterprising citizen, he would develop an enterprising town. I am
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sure he learned in his youth the value of public instruction and the advantages to be derived from courteous demeanor in public places. And we have before us a noble illustration of that mature wisdom and philanthropy which gave Wakefield a name, and opened these ample doors for the instruction and elevation of her people.
Judge Thomas Russell, collector of the port of Boston, who was intro- duced as " a citizen of no mean city," made the subjoined address :-
MY FRIENDS : I am glad to have the opportunity of joining with you as you dedicate this magnificent building to free government, to loyalty, and to enlarged education. The sunshine without is reflected on your faces ; and how happily you have united the past, present, and future. We are all enjoying the present ; Mr. Eaton has told us of the past ; and when you announce the Governor of the Commonwealth, and then call upon Dr. Loring for a speech, you certainly borrow from the future.
But what shall I say ? As I looked at your long order of exercises, all to be exhausted before dinner, I thought not of your poet, but of Gray's famous ode on " A Distant Prospect of Eton." Yet variety and fitness have made the exercises seem short; and I am still without a subject. I looked to the children in the galleries, and thought how soon this town would be ruled by these boys - and girls. (O wise forethought ! which doubled the size of this hall, so that the men in a few years might bring their wives and sisters with them to town-meet- ing.) I was glad, not only to see the boys, but to hear them. Even their shrillest whistles reminded me of the young declaimer, who thus repeated a famous passage of Chatham : "The poor man's house is his castle ; the wind may whistle round it ; but the King of England cannot whistle in it." Long life to these young republicans, and may they never know rattan, except as a material for manufacture ! And the sight of these boys and girls suggested education as a fit theme for the day ; but Mr. Wakefield has already said all that can be said on that subject, and more than he has said he had done long ago. Before coming here I had glanced at a geographical gazette, and learned that the thriving town of Wakefield, in Yorkshire, was most famous for its grammar school, from which have gone some of the first scholars of England. It is a happy coincidence that the name has already been associated with devotion to learning. To-day we have one illustration more of the effect of education : the wealth, of which this generous gift is a fragment, sprung from a humble red school-house in New Hampshire.
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I would have spoken of towns, and of the influence of town-meet- ings on American history ; but that subject has already been made familiar to you. Only let me say this, Does any one think this hall more spacious than is needed ? Then let treason raise its head once more, let rebellion again threaten the Union, and every inch of space shall be thronged by your loyal people. Nor would the living come alone. Every name on those marble tablets beneath would be represented. From hospital and prison and battle-field your departed heroes would rally once more for the endangered land and the insulted flag.
The building is a natural subject of remark, but it speaks for itself. From foundation stone, from Ionic pillar, from frescoed ceiling, come praises of that spirit which gains wealth, not for sullen hoarding, not for selfish pleasure, but for wise and beneficent liberality. I admired the report of your committee. Indeed, I always admire Farmer Allen. Years ago when I went as a boy to hear him lecture, I used to wonder whether he was not connected with the Daniel of whom we read ; and I was inclined to believe it, because that Daniel's countenance, also, was "fairer and fatter" than the faces of his neighbors. No wonder that the lions would not eat him, we used to think, as we pictured them listening all night to his stories, and roaring, not with rage but with laughter.
You must all have been pleased with the financial part of the report, "Services and expenses of building committee - nothing." Your expenses down to zero ; the generosity of your fellow-citizens up to fever heat. It is one benefit of such gifts as this, that they stimulate other givers. Mr. Wakefield was not without generous example at home, but his own example seems to have inspired him most, for beginning with a promise of thirty thousand dollars, he ends with this munificent donation. He wisely enjoys his gifts, instead of postponing his liber- ality till his estate ceases to be his own. The poet says : -
" Die, and endow a college - or a cat."
You [to Mr. Wakefield] know a trick worth two of that. Live, and long as you live enjoy the fruit of your beneficence to your neighbors.
The 22d of February is a good day for this dedication ; and while we are all familiar with the patriotism of Washington in war, let us remem- ber to-day that he showed his public spirit, also, by developing the resources of the country and by furnishing employment to the people. He did not disdain to be, with one exception, the richest man in America ; he knew that wealth is honorable when it is gained by honest
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work and consecrated to noble uses ; he knew that before a man of business can gain the means to support a poor family by charity, he has fed a score of families by the industry which is better than charity. Foremost in promoting internal improvements, always the friend of commerce, it is one of the glories of Washington that, after securing the independence of America, he sought so to foster the industrial arts that every citizen might achieve personal independence.
In this, as in other fields, President Grant follows in the footsteps of our great deliverer. He recommends measures for the revival of com- merce ; he urges them on an unwilling Congress ; he repeats them even to deaf ears ; he begs that legislation may restore to the sea that stainless flag under which he triumphed on the land. Honor to the statesmen who make the employment of people their care ; and honor to-day, and always, to the merchant and the manufacturer who organize labor ; who develop the wealth of nations ; who "maintain the state of the world." The poorest of us should look upon their riches not with envy, but with respect and gratitude. A hundred homes must be supported in com- fort before a great fortune can be accumulated by commerce.
It is a gratifying thought that one busy brain here in quiet Wakefield is employing and feeding men and women in all parts of the globe ; that richly-freighted ships (eighteen last year) are now, in obedience to a single will, crossing the Atlantic and Indian Oceans ; that these ships are bringing cargoes valued at millions of dollars, and destined to gain by labor millions more of value ; that in the jungles of India, by the water-side of Singapore, in the perfumed forests of the Spice Islands, men are now gladly doing the work of our friend. You are resting to-day, but resting in comfort and in peace, because so many of you are sure of well-paid employment, provided by the industry of your fellow- citizen.
It was said of Washington, in words now familiar to all ears, " Heaven left him childless that a nation might call him father." Oh [to Mr. Wakefield], how large a family receive their daily bread from your hands ! Long may you live to enjoy the gratitude of your neigh- bor ; long may this good town thrive and grow ; long may this build- ing stand ; and as long as it stands, it shall be a monument of business ability, of successful enterprise, and of wise liberality.
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