USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Spencer > Historical sketches relating to Spencer, Mass., Volume IV > Part 3
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BAPTIST CHURCH.
ered some helpful service, though not all the ills were healed. The long record of this council may well be left in silence.
Elder Underwood and his wife, asked and received letters of dismission and commendation in March, 1842. Probably his labor ceased somewhat earlier, as an interval between his work and the coming of Mr. Cutler in which a few faithful ones met on the Lord's Day to read the Word and to pray is most clearly remembered by some. These assemblings for prayer and conference graciously prepared the way for the awaken- ing and "times of refreshing" that came with the early service of the new minister.
The Rev. Stephen Cutler began labor in the early summer of 1842. A council was called and Mr. Cutler was ordained in accord with Baptist usage. Clergy present : Moses Harring- ton, moderator ; A. S. Lyon, scribe ; E. G. Perry and W. C. Rich- ards. Elder Cutler's service was greatly blessed. Many were added to the church and good influence spread widely.
This "watch meeting" item from the record is interesting : "Saturday, December 31, 1842. The church met this evening with some others and held a prayer meeting and a good degree of religious feeling appeared. It seemed that the Lord was about to revive His work. The meeting was continued till they bid farewell to the old year and greeted the new one in."
Mr. Cutler's stay was more protracted than that of any other minister of the church. It was largely successful, con-
tinuing until October, 1849. At least that is the date of dis- mission given in the register, the only showing accessible. In passing from his work it may not be unwise to attempt to re- produce a Sabbath of those remembered years.
It is Sunday morning in June, 184 . The church folk are gathering. Already groups are about and near the open doors of the meeting house. Horses are tethered in the church yard, few of them having any shelter from the full sunshine. Devout men and women, fathers and mothers in Israel, are rev- erently taking their wonted seats in the sanctuary they, lov -. Youth lingers about the doorways for vet other admiring glances and mutual speech. The choir rehearsal of the morn- ing ends, though no bell has indicated the hour of service or the coming of the man of God. It is quietly said in the vesti- bule and at the doors that the minister is about to give out the first hymn. Those still standing hasten to their seats, and worship has begun.
The Rev. Stephen Cutler is in the lofty pulpit, high, if not lifted up. A large man, florid of face and of pleasant bearing. With an inclusive survey of his people he has essaved his morn- ing task. The choir takes up the hymn helpfully. Mean-
22
SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY.
while the sun is ever increasing the high temperature of the day. Windows are open wide. The fields with their green- ery spread away, away. Bird songs are without, while psalm-
ody is resonant within. The Sabbath peace is on hill and plain, on wooded slopes and the valleys between. It is the Lord's Day and the "Beauty of the Lord" is without and within.
Scripture lessons follow the hymn. The Proverbs-a chapter on the high worth of wisdom was often selected by Mr. Cutler-furnish a selection from the Old Testament. Some rich portion from the Gospel or Epistle is also read. Then sprea:1- ing his hands the minister says in holy tone, "Let us pray :" The congregation rise devoutly to stand during the long prayer. A few of the aged quietly resume their seats after the opening ascriptions and petitions. Before the "Amen" at the close many others by frequent shifting of posture indicate a willing- ness to sit, which led later to the abandonment of the reverent custom of standing during prayer, save that for a longer time the people stood for the short prayer at the close of the ser- mon till even that gave way to the growing love of ease. But on this old time day in June the congregation generally kept to the ancient observance and at the "Amen" there was a rustle of garments as seats were swiftly taken. Then with return of comfort to the body many at least took fresh note of the beauty without while awaiting another hymn.
"And ever and anon the breeze,
Sweet-scented with the new-mown hay,
Turned o'er the hymn book's fluttering leaves That in the window lay."
The minister is robed for a summer day. He is coatless. A flowing robe of light cloth drapes gracefully his ample form and adds dignity by apparent increase of stature. Half-way from desk to choir in the center of the House, sits Colonel Willard Snow of Paxton, brother-in-law of Honest John Davis, some three hundred pounds of stalwart manhood. His mas- sive frame supports a similar costume. The manly appear- ance of both preacher and hearer is enhanced by this simple preparation for comfort.
Colonel Snow's son, tall and strongly-built like his sire, in the dress of a gentleman sits nobly in the same pew. Father and son make a splendid picture in memory. Just in front is the well-filled Bryant pew. Still forward are Aaron Lyon and his faithful wife, long to be known after his departure as "Mother," or "Grandma," Lyon. Deacons Hinds and Cole are in their places. The Cole pew is full with Deacon Hinds
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BAPTIST CHURCH.
and wife and her sister with her husband, gallant Captain Baker of the New Bedford whaling fleet, now on shore for his wedding and honeymoon. Too soon after he failed, like many others, brave and true, to return from the mystery of the sea.
In the square corner-pew yonder is Samuel Pierce, the clerk of the church. How square and severe that face ; somber face, and a somber man, yet a real lover of the church and its Lord. His stately wife, strong-voiced and musical, is in the choir. The Walkers, Newtons, Balls, Boydens, the Bellows, Monroe, Knight, Smith, Prouty, Randall, Boice, Wilson, Barr, Scott and Ware families, and other names memory fails to bring back, filled the house with a worthy humanity, and by devotion, prayer and song, by character and sainthood helped to make the meeting house that day a place of blessing.
The sermon is not forgotten, albeit the pen has so wandered since the closing of the prayer. It may not, however, be char- acterized further than to say it met the need of that June morning, assuring edification in some good measure to all. Sunday school for half an hour swiftly passed. Boys and girls received faithful tuition in the things that make for godly liv- ing and Christian character. A bit of free movement in the air, a trifling lunch for the juniors, and genial speech among the older folk, brought all to the afternoon meeting. brevity alone changed the order of the morning. Brevity
In this ruled somewhat because it was not usual, and is not, for people, or for ministers, to be unconscious that dinner is welcome even on Sunday. Beside, now and then, an impatient horse would call to his master, in equine fashion, for speedy change from "post meat" to open pasturage and the running brook.
Possibly there was a later social service. Perhaps à "sing" by the choir. Such were those days of the past. A few of the children alone remain to recall them. Minister, deacons and clerk long since went away. Their forms sleep in the dust. The devout elders and most of the youth are fast held in like absence and slumber. The choir leader, his honors and burdens, things "gone forever and ever by;" the violinist, the players of 'cello, flute, clarionet and melodeon, with all, or nearly all, the sweet voiced men and women who helped them to fill the house of God with melody and praise are silent in the dust also.
The day is a memory. Its sacred services, Christian hymns, Scripture lessons, sermons, prayers, Sunday school hour, its smiles and tears, its holy calm, its heaven-like peace, its unseen power, have not ceased to be. These abide. More, minister and people will meet again. The olden days will be remembered and their real worth appear.
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SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY.
The Rev. E. Cady was the next servant of the church. Ha tarried a single year. In 1851 and '52, Elder M. Harrington once more filled the desk. Elder Jones preached from May to
November in 1853. Apparently the house was closed several winters about this time. The record says of both years of Elder Harrington, "closed his labors in the fall." The same essentially is recorded of Elder Jones, probably the Rev. J. D. E. Jones of Worcester, who later served much in the gospel at this church. The record also says : "In the winter of 1853 and 1854, preaching in schoolhouse occasionally by Elder John Walker. In the summer of 1854, preaching by several individ- uals secured by the agent of the Massachusetts Baptist Con- vention."
These entries indicate the drift away from North Spen- cer, which was not arrested and which brought later the clos- ing scenes of church life at Jocktown. But in the winter of 1854 the Rev. Jesse V. Lentell began labor and in 1855 was duly examined and ordained by a council, of which the Rev. H. C. Tingley of Holden was moderator, and the Rev. D. W. Faunce of Worcester was scribe. Dr. Faunce, father of President Faunce of Brown University, also preached the ordination ser- mon. Mr. Lentell closed his labors in May, 1857.
In the same month Brother Joseph Barber, a student, began a brief period of helpful service. In September a gracious re- vival work opened and meetings of much interest and power followed. These, save on the Sabbath, were held from house to house in different neighborhoods. Among those added to the church as the fruit of this awakening were the late Daniel A. Ball, widely known and beloved-his wife, who is still liv- ing, and Clementine C., daughter of the late Samuel Boyden, now and for long time known as Mrs. Emerson Stone. . Also, Martha E. Cole, who later married the Rev. W. W. Smith of the Methodist Episcopal church and early finished her work, dying in Newburyport in 1863.
Mr. Barber closed his labor with the year, and on the first Sabbath of 1858, Elder F. G. Brown came to continue the sa- cred work. He served, in part at least, for the next two years. It appears also that he baptised those who were received dur- ing the stay of Mr. Barber. Mr. Brown resided in Worcester. December 12, 1858, Elder Ball came and labored until March 6, following, then Elder Brown resumed the desk.
In 1860, Hiram Thompson of Worcester was ordained as minister of this church, but closed his service the next March. The Rev. J. R. Stone, of Worcester also, was then engaged as a supply. Under date of November, 1862, the record has this entry : "Rev. J. R. Stone and other ministers have supplied the
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BAPTIST CHURCH.
desk for the past six months." Nothing further appears until
November, 1864. Then the Rev. J. D. E. Jones had preached six months. In 1865 the Rev. Charles E. Simmons "supplied the desk." December 2, 1865, this interesting entry was made in the record :
"Covenant meeting, the third for the year. Had quite a refreshing season ; after the devotional exercises of the meeting, Emerson Stone related his Christian experience and presented a
DEACON JOSHUA COLE.
letter of commendation from the United States Christian Com- mission, and having been baptized and united with a Baptist church in the state of New York and said that he had a letter of dismission from said church some years ago which he had lost, voted to receive him (Emerson Stone) as a member of this church.
JOSHUA COLE, Ch. Clk."
Elder Jones seems to have served in 1866. The next year Revs. T. W. Clark and H. R. Green supplied the pulpit. In 1868, Revs. Clark and Brown: 1869, Rev. Mr. Tandy; 1870,
26
SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY.
Rev. C. A. Skinner ; November 27, 1872, it is recorded that "students from Worcester Academy" had served during the season and that the church was then closed for the winter.
This pathetic record of the waning life of a church now reaches its climax. In the ensuing spring steps were taken for the sale of the meeting house. Before giving account of that matter it will be well to gather up a few other threads essen- tial to this history.
David Bryant was the first deacon. Later Amos Bemis was made his associate in office and service. In 1842, Joshua Cole was elected. The records fail to speak of the decease of Deacon Bryant, but it probably occurred about the time of the election just noted. Either his death or disability led to the selection of another for this service. A little later, Deacon Bemis having joined the Methodist Episcopal church, Amasa Hinds and Isaac Ball were made deacons. Deacon Hinds re- moved to East Brookfield in 1852. Served the Baptist church there in the same office most acceptably, then after a few years of infirmity passed to his reward August 10, 1881. He was a good man and his memory is precious. Deacon Ball's
membership seems to have ended in 1851. Of his late life nothing is at hand. Deacon Herman Brown came to this church by letter from another where election to "the office of a deacon" had occurred. After a few years of excellent service he and his wife were commended by letter to the church in West Acton. Deacon Cole continued in service until the disband- ing of the church.
It would be a pleasure to give also the names of the choir leaders of all these years. It is not possible ; the records name none of them as such. Samuel Boyden so served for many a year, faithfully and well. Joseph T. Smith, N. A. Monroe, Rufus Hovey and Daniel A. Ball, each had a term of service. Others in earlier and later years must have had a place also. Of all of these and of their many helpers in the noble work of Christian song it can be said "their record is on high." *
A Sunday school was one of the active departments of the church. No records of the school have been preserved. Hence it can only be affirmed that Sunday school work had place from 1840 and earlier unto the end. Some of the men and women of these later days have precious memories of the school and no slight debt for early instruction in good things.
Hitherto nothing has been said concerning the financial support assured the several ministers of this now historic church. The data upon which to base any showing is very meagre. The object of the society already named as existent in the early days was the care of all prudential burdens of the
27
BAPTIST CHURCH.
common enterprise-the maintenance of a Christian church in the neighborhood. Rural conditions determined forms and activities. The society, as has been noted, acted with the church in 1821, in the sale and conveyance of the pews of the meeting house. Because of the loss of the first record book jointly used by church and society, nothing more of society matters can be learned earlier than the year 1835.
At a legally called meeting in February of that year it was determined "to employ Moses Harrington for the ensuing year" as minister, "if he can be obtained and if his support can be obtained." It was also ordered that money for such purpose be raised by subscription. A prudential committee was chosen. Its duty was to provide minister, sexton, fuel,
lights, etc. Willard Snow (probably not Col. Willard), lived in Paxton, but near the meeting house on the place latterly owned and occupied by Mr. Anson Williams. Col. Willard Snow lived in an ample farm house on the Holden road, beyond Paxton Center. These namesakes were both good men and true.
Reuben Cunningham and Daniel Ball constituted this first prudential committee, of which a record remains. With them William Warren was to serve as collector and treasurer. Of success or failure there is no record. Presumably success in some measure was attained, as Elder Harrington served the church that year and the following one.
Presently the society went to pieces and a new one was formed. Upon petition of nine legal voters of Spencer, Lei- cester and Paxton to Braddyll Livermore, Esq., with formal assurance of organization as a religious society connected with the First Baptist church in Spencer, a warrant for a meeting was granted and the same was held in due order April 13, 1839, Amos Bemis, moderator, and Braddyll Livermore, Jr., clerk. At a little later meeting of the new society "twenty dollars" were appropriated for preaching. Of any other provision for the year nothing is on record by society or church. For sev- eral years small amounts were thus provided by society action.
In November, 1844, a subscription for the support of Elder Stephen Cutler was spread upon the records of the society.
This amounted to $187.00. Horace Knight led the list with
$15.00. Joseph Briant was next with $12.00. Then Daniel Ball and Willard Snow, $10.00 each. Amasa Hinds, $8.00. Several at six, more at five dollars, then with lesser sums, fifty cents in one case, the list was filled out. The next spring a bargain was made with Mr. Cutler "to supply our pulpit one year, from the first of April next for $200.00, if we can raise the sum by subscription." Beyond this eight men "guaran-
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SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY.
teed to Mr. Cutler that he should receive one hundred and fifty dollars from them if it could not be raised by subscription. Joinedly and severally that sum of money they would pay and did guarantee it to the said Mr. Cutler and the same he did agree to." Apparently the subscription amounted to $160.00, though it is not clear that the minister received as much. Of the guarantee nothing more is recorded. Here, however, is the first real showing of the salary paid at Jocktown. At the most in these two years the stipend was less than $200.00.
In 1844, April 20, the society "voted to paint and repair the meeting house outside and in" and to try by subscription to raise $150.00 for that purpose Something more than this was
secured and the work was done. In this subscription list Law- son Ball, brother of Daniel Isaac, appears with a pledge of ten dollars. Mr. Lawson Ball was a man of feeble health, but an earnest Christian and a most intense advocate of liberty and hater of American slavery. His life here was brief. He left a priceless legacy of personal worth to those who loved him and the church.
Another matter of special interest appears in the recorded history of 1846. A warrant was issued for a meeting of the society to act on a legacy of twenty-five dollars "by the last will and testament of David Prouty." This money was "be- queathed to said society to be laid out in books for the Sabbath school, which has been duly paid by the executor of said de- ceased." No record of this meeting appears, but as afterward annually a librarian was elected, it is probable that all neces- sary action was taken in view of this thoughtful beneficence from a citizen of Spencer, who was not a member of the church or society, and who was probably an occasional worshiper only.
Returning to the matter of ministerial support a vote, un- der date of March 3, 1857, "to sustain preaching" is found. A committee was then sent to the Rev. J. V. Lentell, at that time the minister, to see if he could be retained. The commit- tee reported his willingness to stay another year for $350.00. Whereupon the society "voted to keep Mr. Lentell."
This probably is the largest estimate made by the church for a year's service of its minister in the half century of its life. In some later years after the remodeling of the meeting house, when regular services were omitted during the winter, a larger proportionate amount was paid. In those years the record indicates the rule of better business methods in the work of the society. Monthly payments of subscriptions to church funds. were sought and treasurer's accounts duly balanced are spread upon the journal year by year.
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BAPTIST CHURCH.
But at the utmost no great inducements were proffered at this rural church to a "hireling ministry."
No complaints from the clergy of inadequate support are found. Possibly the many unwritten pages of the story hold some requests for larger stipends and nobler showing of liber- ality. The society records evidently omit much of the history that was making in the years. The church record is mostly silent concerning the questions of ministerial support and general finance. Evidently ministers lived carefully as did the people. Expenses were not severe in the community. Small incomes met common needs.
During the term of Elder Lentell agitation for repairs and improvements of the meeting house began to be forceful. This. ripened in action by the society :
"Voted to repair the meeting house.
Voted to get new windows for the pulpit, get new pews, and have a cupola.
Voted to fix the gallery on Mister Cole's plan.
Voted to choose a committee of five to make all necessary arrangements."
I. V. Lentell, Dea. Cole, Samuel Boyden, S. H. Cunning- ham and Dwight Walker were this committee of five. Harvey Prouty, Erastus Sanderson and Lory Livermore were chosen "to apprise the pews." . One month later votes to reconsider had place, with early adjournment. A week later Mr. Lentell withdrew from the society and in the same month closed his labor with the church.
Nothing further as to repairs and alterations of the house seems to have been done until the next September. Then the society ordered a committee of three to study the house, fix upon plans and "report at some future meeting."
In October this committee reported a plan which was adopted, though many modifications were made during the progress of the work as seemed wise to the committee on repairs. Joshua Cole, Josiah Lyon and Samuel Boyden con- stituted the committee on plans and O. F. Eaton, J. Cole and Zadock Pike the committee on repairs. Mr. Eaton was the son-in-la .. of Dwight Walker.
The estimated cost of the repairs and alterations proposed was $300. Samuel Boyden was duly chosen to collect this amount. The report of his work does not appear. The account of bills paid for the remodeling of the house shows an outlay of nearly $400. Evidently Mr. Boyden succeeded admirably in the effort to raise money for this renewing of the House of the Lord.
30
SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY.
The re-opening and consecration on the ninth of October, 1858, with sermon by Elder F. G. Brown of Worcester was an occasion of much interest. The house had been greatly freshened and improved. The exterior showed new paint and blinds at the windows. Within the high pulpit with its background of heavy, red draping was no more. The high galleries had vanished also. A new pulpit, new choir loft, new pews fashioned for comfort from the ample lumber of
AMASA HINDS
the old uncomfortable ones were ready for devout occupancy. Newly plastered walls and ceiling combined with the other appointments and furnishings to make a pleasing auditorium. After the service of the dedication day Samuel Boyden- offered the new sittings for sale, the pews having been pro- viously appraised at ten dollars each. ' The results of sale were not recorded. The old pews were duly appraised before any change was made. This was faithfully done by com-
31
BAPTIST CHURCH.
petent men : James Draper, Harvey Prouty and Foster Bisco. The values were slight, ranging from thirty cents to one dollar and eighty cents per pew. "Thirty-six pews at $37." About the same number appeared in the improved auditorium, and as nearly four hundred dollars were expended in the changes made it will readily be admitted that the new appraisal of ten dollars a pew was not unreasonable.
It will be remembered by some that much money for this church was raised for many years by social assemblies, fairs, suppers. The funds so gathered were most acceptable al- though at times some excess of youthful exuberance and play- fulness led the thoughtful to hesitate at further proposals of that order, great as were the needs of the church. Probably here may be found the reason of a vote passed at the time of re-opening :
"Voted not to open the house for singing schools and fairs." A vote of the society. The subsequent prosperities and the pathetic waning after a very few years of the strength of the church has already been noted. The task of setting forth the sale of the meeting house and the closing of church activities remains. It is not a pleasant task. Shadow and regret are present. The funeral of a church is a somber thing. The demise of this organic body and the attending incidents of the closing of its sacred services and doors fur- nish no exception. Men, women and children loved this
rural church. Its fellowship and communion had been a delight to many who had passed in the mellow ripeness of years to the communion of the saintly in Heaven. Mourners had found divine comfort at its humble altar. Great inspira- tions and enthusiasm had come to young men and maidens, to sturdy man and elect women who knew the hard, daily
struggle of human life. Fathers and mothers had given thanks to God for their fair children and prayed often that they might be built into His church before the fires of sin should burn and destroy. The meeting house was sacred and dear. The years that brought decay and need for renewal of this and that brought also the hallowing increase of as- sociations, memories and benefits. Friendships and loves grew under the shadow of the house and within the charmed circle of its goodly fellowship.
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