USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Spencer > Historical sketches relating to Spencer, Mass., Volume II > Part 13
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LADIES' CHARITABLE SOCIETY
boxes amounting in value to nearly $2000 had been sent away, besides work done for the soldiers and much home work. Since then barrels have been sent to missionaries amounting in value to $4485, besides gifts in money of more than $1000 to various organizations and home work amounting to many hundreds more. Of the hearts cheered and strengthened by the various ministra- tions of the society we can form no estimate, but the words re- ceived from time to time from the recipients of its bounty have shown that not in vain have been the efforts to help those need- ing help. The interests of the town have often been considered. Thus we find in the records that an adjourned meeting was held on the evening of Oct. 31, 1849, for the purpose of forming a society for improving the " Burying Ground." Fifty were pres- ent at this meeting.
The gifts of the society have been confined to no one field- home and foreign missions, the sailor, the soldier, the freedman, the Indian, with the unfortunate in hospital, have all been remem- bered in this work. Of the many boxes and barrels sent away but one has ever failed to reach its destination. This was sent out in the early part of the war to West Virginia and doubtless fell into the hands of the Confederates. In1 1887 the society re- ceived a liberal gift from Mrs. Mary B. Prouty, who deposited $1000 in Spencer Savings Bank, the interest of which is to be used in carrying on its work. In 1892 Mrs. J. N. Grout pre- sented $100 to the society. Aside from these gifts the work has always been sustained by the annual tax of members, from supper fees or private donations.
Mrs. Hannah N. Grout and Mrs. Sybil U. Green were original members and both were present on the fiftieth anni- versary meeting of the society.
Jonathan Bemis is Shipwrecked.
Capt. Edmund Bemis of Spencer married for his second wife a Mrs. Smith of Charlton. James Draper does not mention the names of any children as the result of this marriage, but it is certain there was a son Jonathan, who went to England and after the death of his father wrote the following letter to his half brother, which is in possession of George W. Bemis of Inde- pendence, Iowa :
"To Jesse Smith of Charlton in the County of Worcester, in the State of Massachusetts Bay.
"Dear Brother and Sister :-
"We write to let you know we are well and hope this will find you so. This is the first time I have written to you. I have had great misfortunes lately in being shipwrecked. I have been fifteen years in the East India service and had great luck until
174
SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY
these last five years, when I have lost seven hundred pounds and having a young family makes it rather hard for me. We have had six children, four girls and two boys. The girls are dead but the boys are alive and fine boys they are. John is nine, George is seven. I wish very much to see you but times are so I cannot well come. I have written to Joseph to send me what little money father left me. I hope he will.
"You have no children to leave your estate to but nieces and nephews. I always thought as you and I had one mother you were a nearer brother than any of the rest although I had the name of Bemis. Dear brother I hope you will not forget me in your will. Father most likely is dead and the money he left me is due ; Joseph I hope will send it to me as there are always ships coming to London. Dear brother, I hope you will write to me by the first ship coming to any part of Great Britain. I suppose you have forgotten me. My love to your wife. If I don't hear from you I will come and see you next summer.
"Adieu. This is from your loving brother and sister, Jona- than Bemis and wife, London, March the 10th, 1813.
"You will direct your letter to No. 40 Friesiole Street, Norse- lay down, Southwork, London. This comes by the ship Zaling, Captain Tracey of Boston. She is a constant trader. She will be in London in July."
LUCY C. (PROUTY) MATTHEWS, of West Brookfield, at one time a member of the Shaker Community. See page 70.
SPENCER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
HISTORICAL PAPER BY MRS. L. H. UPHAM, READ AT THE CELEBRATION OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
As a descendant of the second pastor of this church, and one whose name has been enrolled among the list of members longer than any other woman now living in the town, I am asked to testify of the past, to rejoice with you that for one hundred and fifty years the sanctuary of the Most High has been with us, that we have been blessed with faithful, earnest pastors who have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God.
The history of a church may include its buildings, its pastors, their doctrine, its deacons, music, Sabbath school and benevolent organizations. But it is our purpose to speak only of the church building, the pastors and their wives, for do not those noble women who for more than a century lived among and loved this people, deserve more than honorable mention ? I will speak of those only who have finished their work on earth.
The Church Buildings.
At the time of the formation of this church, what is now Spencer was part of Leicester, and was called the "West Pre- cinct, " and the people paid their proportion of all parish taxes. About the year 1739, the people of the West Precinct, feel- ing the need of a place of worship nearer their homes, began to take measures looking to the erection of a suitable church build- ing. In 1740 Mr. Nathaniel Cunningham, who owned two lots of land containing five hundred acres, gave the inhabitants of Spencer a deed of two acres of land, including the site of the present church edifice and the old burial ground.
In 1743, a building forty-five feet long by thirty-five wide was erected. The walls were covered with unplaned boards and was without clap-boarding, no inside finishing with the exception of laying the floor. The next year fourteen pews were built next to the walls, four long benches each side of a center aisle, called " body seats," for the elderly women on the east side, and
176
SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY
.......
SPENCER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AS IT LOOKED IN 1838.
177
SPENCER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
the elderly men on the west. And in the gallery were seats for the younger people, girls on the east side and boys on the west.
In those early days everybody who was able went to church, and those who lived the farthest off were generally the first there, some walking three or four miles without thinking it was any particular hardship. Some riding on horse-back with a pillion behind the saddle on which the mother sat with a child in her arms; the larger children would walk cheerfully the same dis- tance.
In summer the old ladies and young people would collect in groups and impart to each other the news of the day, while the men sat upon the grass under the shade trees, which then grew upon the common, and discoursed upon the sermon and hard times. That part of the common west of the meeting-house was then limited to a space about five or six rods square. In tlie winter time the men went to the tavern and the women to the minister's house to eat their lunch and get warmed, and returned to the church with tin foot stoves filled with live coals to sit another hour and a half. At the close of the religious services the town clerk made proclamation in a loud voice of those who were about to enter the state of matrimony.
In 1772, a new house was built on the same site, fifty-six by forty-seven feet, with forty-six pews on the floor, and twenty- two in the galleries, and two rows of seats for singers.
In 1802, it was improved by the addition of a spire and bell on the west end. There was no way of heating the house until 1821 ; then two stoves were placed near the deacons' seats; the stove pipe was secured by a wire suspended from the galleries until it passed through the windows on the east and west side. Some here can remember the church of sixty years ago, the main entrance on the south side having large doors opening directly into the broad aisle; on the north side, the high pulpit with its huge " sounding board " overhead, apparently held up by a wooden ball. A large window behind the pulpit overlooked the grave-yard. The communion table was a half circle in front of the pulpit attached by hinges, and could be lowered ex- cept when needed for the sacred service. And those square pews with a handsome balustrade, a chair in each pew for the aged parent. The seats, hung on hinges, were raised to allow the people to stand during the prayer, and a great clatter was made at the close wlien they were dropped all over the house. In nearly all the pews were two seats in which the occupant had to sit with the back to the minister.
In 1838 the meeting-house was repaired by turning it quarter around, and fronting the south. The square pews were re-
12
178
SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY
placed by new pews of modern style, the seats were cushioned and a handsome damask curtain draped the back of the pulpit. There were also curtains in front of the singers seats, drawn together when they sang, hiding all but their heads, to relieve their embarassment when the congregation turning their backs to the minister looked them in the face during the first and clos- ing hymn, though the audience faced about again to receive the benediction.
This church, where our people had worshipped for ninety years, was destroyed by fire in January, 1862, at midday ; in less than one hour it became a mass of ruins. A new house was built and dedicated to the service of God, April 8th, 1863; a clock and an organ were given, principally by private subscrip- tion. In 1881, a church parlor and kitchen were fitted for Sab- bath school and society gatherings.
In 1885, the church was again enlarged and changed into our present attractive edifice, at an expense of $18,500, not one dollar of which came from the parish money. Five thousand dollars were given by the sons of Capt. Isaac Prouty, in remem- brance of a request of their father, and $13,500 were given by private subscription from a comparatively small number of our generous-hearted people.
Our church has been the recipient of numerous other gifts. In 1819, Mrs. Olive Stebbings gave two silver cups, which have now been used seventy-five years at the Lord's table. Mrs. Steb- bings died at the age of ninety-six years. Her husband, Mr. John Stebbings, died in 1821 and left to this church two thousand dollars, which has been called the Stebbings fund.
Mr. Charles E. Denny died in 1856. He gave two thousand dollars to the church, besides five thousand which was paid after the death of his mother; two thousand of this sum was to be a fund for the poor of the church. Three hundred dollars were also left by Miss Lucy Prouty for the poor of the church.
Mr. David Prouty left four thousand dollars to the Congre- gational church.
The Old Vestry.
About the year 1832 there was felt to be great need of a suit- able place for evening meetings. The church could not be lighted or heated without much trouble and expense.
William Pope, Esq., gave the land to the parish for a vestry "so long a time as the building should be used for that pur- pose."
Rev. Mr. Packard drew up two subscription papers, his name heading the list with fifty dollars. The names of forty- six men and 102 women are found on these papers. Some men
1
SPENCER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
PARSONAGE BUILT BY THE REV. JOSHUA EATON IN 1744.
(Photo by Currin.)
After his decease it became the property of the Rev. Joseph Pope. At his death it descended to his son, William Pope Esq., and is now the residence of his daughter, Mrs. L. H. Upham.
179
180
SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY
gave their subscription in lumber, and some of the ladies were allowed to give theirs in hat braiding, credited to the building committee at the stores. A convenient and substantial one-story building was erected. This building was also used for schools. It was removed and a high school building erected on the site in 1859.
This building was removed in 1888, and now our beautiful David Prouty high school building marks the spot.
In the church records is this statement in regard to the formation of this church: "May 17th, 1744, at the request of some brethren in the West Precinct of Leicester the church of Christ in Sutton, Uxbridge, Grafton, and the First church in Leicester, sent their reverend pastors and delegates, to assist in gathering and settling a church among them, who accordingly met and formed into a council, and then examined those mem- bers of churches who offered themselves to be embodied into a church, and accordingly eight persons members of other churches, were embodied into a church and a covenant was drawn and sub- scribed by them."
This was called the Second church of Christ in Leicester.
The first pastor, Rev. Joshua Eaton, was born Dec. 15, 1715, O. S., was graduated at Harvard university. After two years of law study, he practiced his profession in Worcester about five years, and was the first lawyer who established himself in that town. About the year 1740, he received a powerful impression on the subject of religion, and decided to devote himself to the ministry. Mr. Eaton was ordained as pastor, Nov. 7th, 1744. His salary was very small, about one hundred and fifty dollars a year, but it gradually increased, until six years before his death it amounted to $244 annually.
The relation between pastor and people was always har- monious. There were added to the original eight members dur- ing his ministry of twenty-eight years, twenty-four by letter and ninety-two by profession. He performed the marriage ceremony for 120 couples. Rev. Joshua Eaton died April 2, 1772, aged fifty-seven years. Upon his grave stone in the old burial ground is this inscription :
Adieu to sickness, pain and death, Adieu to vanity and cares. Submissive, I resign my breath And rise to bliss beyond the stars.
Almighty Father, hear my prayer, And send salvation to this land, May this my people be Thy charge And ever dwell at Thy right hand.
The wife of the first minister, Mrs. Sarah Elliot Eaton, was of " an ancient and honorable family," a descendant of Rev. John
SPENCER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
181
Acred to the Memory of the Rev" Jothua Eaton the late paftor of the Church in this town who died April ad 1772 in the / 8th year of his age \. 28th of his Min iftry. He was fingularly circumipe in his walk devout i ferver in Worfhr feriaus 'u forching in Preaching.vigi lant " affectionate in the Infpection of bis Family & Flock patient in Iri do bulation Firm in Faith & fullof hopt Adicu to ficknejs, pain and deathi. Adieu to vanity and cares Submissive'I'refien my breath And rife to Blifs above the ftars. Almighty Father Hear my pravy And " feral faluation to the fond! May tbs" copla be thy rarz
And ever durellat thy cial
HEADSTONE IN OLD CEMETERY AT GRAVE OF REV. JOSHUA EATON.
(Photo by Currin.) }
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SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY
Elliot the apostle to the Indians. She was married to Mr. Eaton in 1739, while he was a lawyer living in Worcester, where he was acquiring wealth, and a great and good name in his pro- fession. She left her pleasant home and many friends to fill the position of minister's wife, in a small place " in the woods," that could not even be called a town. Mr. Eaton had property, and bought land and built a house as soon as possible after he was settled as pastor; a house that in those days was considered very elegant. In Mr. Eaton's journal is found this entry :
MRS. ANNA POPE. (Copy by Currin.) From an oil painting on glass, made at Hanover, N. H .. when she was 60 years of age.
" October 4, 1745. This day moved into my own house. Blessed be God who has given me an habitation. May God dwell with us."
Rev. Mr. Eaton in his family record writes: " Oct. 28, 1770. My dear wife died in the fifty-seventh year of her age."
·
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SPENCER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
One year and five months later, Rev. Joshua Eaton followed his faithful wife to the eternal home.
The second pastor of this church, Rev. Joseph Pope, was born in Pomfret, Conn., Sept. 28, 1745. He was graduated at Harvard university in 1770. In literary attainment he stood high in his Alma Mater, and his descendants have many volumes which were given to him by Harvard university as prizes for superior scholarship. After leaving college he was employed a
REV. JOSEPH POPE.
(Copy by Currin.)
From an oil painting on glass, executed at Hanover, N. H., about the year 1804.
year teaching a Latin school in Worcester. He then completed a course of study in theology. He was ordained in Spencer, Oct. 20, 1773. His salary was to be two hundred and forty-four dollars annually " so long as he shall continue in that office in this place." In those days the mode of settling and dismissing ministers was very different from that of the present time. Un-
184
SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY
less there was something objectionable in their character or doctrine they were settled for life.
It cannot be supposed two hundred and forty-four dollars a year would be sufficient to support a minister's family, where an open and liberal handed hospitality was always maintained. The minister's house was considered a minister's tavern with free refreshments for man and beast. The home of the Spencer minister was a half-way house between the western part of the state and Boston, and many a minister urged on his tired horse in order to get a lodging and supper at Mr. Pope's hospitable table. When Mr. Pope was settled as pastor, his father bought of Mr. Eaton's heirs the homestead and gave it to his son, and this farm produced much of the living, but for many years he in- creased his income by preparing young men for college.
During the Revolution and for seven or eight years after was a time of universal distress. The town was taxed to its utmost limit. During several years the minister's salary was paid in Con- tinental money; and this depreciated currency was the only available money; no cash was to be had. In the beginning of the year 1780, forty dollars of Continental money was equal to one dollar in silver, and before the close of the year it had de- preciated to such an extent that two hundred and forty dollars Continental, was equal to one dollar in silver. This will account for the truthful statement that the whole of one year's salary was taken to buy a block tin tea pot, and was not sufficient even for that. The pastor suffered in common with his people and their affection for him was thereby strengthened.
There were no "donation parties" in those days; but several times they gave the minister what they called a " chop- ping bee." Half a dozen or more of his parishioners would come with axes and sleds, and for a day his wood lot resounded with the blows of those stalwart men; and a year's supply of fuel was the result. A good dinner prepared by the minister's wife made them feel they were having a veritable Thanksgiving.
In personal appearance Mr. Pope was dignified and com- manding. He had fine social qualities, and his society was en- joyed by old and young, but he never laid aside the dignity of a clergyman. In his religious sentiments he was thoroughly Cal- vinistic, though more liberal in his views than many ministers of that day. The truths of the Gospel were preached with energy and zeal. During his long ministry nothing of a serious nature occurred to disturb the harmony between him and his people.
After forty-six years of active labor, he was stricken with paralysis. Though it did not impair the vigor of his mind, it prevented him from occupying the pulpit. In suitable weather
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SPENCER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
he was able to be taken in his rolling chair to the church, and it was a great comfort for him and his people to meet together in the house of God. By the terms of the contract when he was settled, he was still entitled to his small salary, but when he could no longer supply the pulpit, he relinquished his claim and depended on his son for his support. During seven years of patient suffering he had the love and sympathy of his peo- ple, and was their wise and trusted advisor and faithful friend. Rev. Joseph Pope died March 8, 1826, in the eightieth year of his age, and fifty-third of his ministry.
MRS. ANNA POPE,
(Copy by Currin.)
At the age of 90. From an oil painting executed at Boston.
There were admitted to the church during his ministry of forty-six years, twenty-seven by letter, and two hundred and forty by profession of faith in Christ. Two hundred and thirty- two marriages were solemnized by Rev. Mr. Pope.
Mrs. Anna Hammond Pope was born in Newton, Dec. 16, 1754. She was the daughter of Col. Benjamin Hammond, a soldier and patriot, who with his company of minute men was in
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SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY
Brown&Chapin
16
17
N & D. Bemis
S. Livermore
Abrah'mCapen
Free
21
Pulpit
Free
22
23
24
25
26
27
15 Wm. Sampson
58 Minister's Pew
57 Henry Eames
28 M. Livermore
14 Silas Grout
59 Eli Prouty
56 Lewis Bemis
29 Elias Bemis
13 Thomas Pierce
James Draper
Edward Muzzy
I2 Joel Grout
61 Paul Sibley
54 David Bemis
31 Wm. Drake
11 W. Rice
62
W'm Bemis
53 Foster Bisco
32 Dennis Ward
10 Sullivan Hill
63
52
C. M. Mors e
David Prouty
9
64 Washing'n Hill
51 Isaac Prouty
34 Josiah Green
8
65 JeremiahGrout
50 Walter Sibley
35 R. Bisco
7 Elliot Hall
66 Fli Jones
49
36 Horatio Hall
6
67 Mason
48 Wm. Watson
37
E Wheelock
Win G. Muzzy
5
68
47
C. Newcomb
Wm Baldwin
E. Jones and others
38 R. Cunning- hanı.
4
69 Prouty & Allen
46
39
Cheney Bemis
0 Huntington
3
70
45 Clark & Green
40 S. B. Green
W. Livermore
Wni Pope
2
Washing'n Hill
Isaac Prouty
44 Bemis & Bige- low.
41 George Bemis
I
72 Free
43 Free
42 Otis Grout
Pliny Prouty
Door
Door
PLAN OF GROUND FLOOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING HOUSE IN SPENCER IN 1838.
J. N. Prouty
18
19
20
D. Whittemore
Isaac Lamb
Allen & Snow
55
.30 Edw. & E. Hall
33 Jeremiah Watson
H. & C.Sumner
Alonzo Temple
Charles Watson
Dr. J. Guilford
O. Morse
PLAN OF THE GALLERY.
Negro
A I .. Bemis
A. Bemis D
K J. Mason
P. Allen H
I Free
B
W. Drake
J Green U
F I. Draper
Levi Packard G
J Free
Singers
T J. Cheever
Eli Prouty Q
P D Bemis
N.C.Gleason N
14 Free
S A. Howland
F. Muzzy R
O W Pope
L. Packard M
Free
Negress
SPENCER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
187
188
SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY
the battles of Concord and Lexington. During part of the time, while the American army was stationed in the vicinity of Bos- ton, Rev. Mr. Pope gratuitously performed the service of chaplain for fifty-six Spencer men who had marched as minute men for the defence of the colonies, all of them being members of his parish. On one of these occasions Mr. Pope was introduced by his friend, Dr. Spring, to Miss Hammond. He was so much pleased with the lady he was very glad when his turn came again to go to Boston to act as chaplain. But on his way to
MRS. ANNA POPE, (Copy by Currin.)
At the age of 100 years and one day, take11 December 17, 1854. The anniversary of her one hundreth year was celebrated at her home with ceremonies befitting the occasion. The next day being a pleasant one and sleighing fine she was taken by relatives out for a sleighride and as they passed a picture gallery, located on the common in front of Jenks Tavern, the idea suggested itself of having a photograph of the venerable centenarian taken. A picture was then secured of which the above is a copy.
Newton that he might press his suit he met Dr. Spring and found he was on his way to the same house with the same intent. The situation was delicate and perplexing. After some delib- eration Dr. Spring generously said: "Brother Pope, you have a parish and I have none, I give way to you," and the lady was wooed and won by Mr. Pope.
Rev. Joseph Pope and Anna Hammond were married Oct. 9, 1777. Miss Hammond had a superior education for those days.
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SPENCER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
She was accustomed to refined and intellectual society. Her beauty, her dignified and gracious ways immediately won the hearts of his parishioners and for over eighty years she held the esteein and love of this people. She was the friend of the old, and the advisor of the young, and for more than forty years within a reasonable distance from her home there was not a birth or death but she was present with aid and sympathy. It was said her appearance by the sick bed had healing power like that of the best physician.
She taught her children to read and recite the catechism while very young. Her second son when eight years of age had read the whole Bible, sitting by her side. She was never idle and with all her company and family cares she did more than her duty as a minister's wife. In those days the minister's wife was settled for life also, without a salary.
When Mr. Pope attended the conference of ministers in Bos- ton, she sometimes went with him to visit her relatives and gen- erally came home dressed in the fashions of the day, which occa- sioned a flutter among thie wives and daughters of Spencer. The skillful fingers of the minister's wife made cloaks and bonnets, frequently trimming the bonnets with artificial flowers of her own manufacture. In one year she made happy ninety-seven Spen- cer women with a bonnet or a cloak she had inade.
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